Climbing the corporate ladder has long been the hallmark of professional success. But is it always worth the climb? As someone who's traversed the terrains of high-intensity finance and the more serene corridors of corporate roles, I've had my share of introspection. And thanks to a recent movie night with my kids, Mary Poppins added a bit of whimsical wisdom to the mix.
In the world of "Mary Poppins", two songs represent vastly different worldviews. "A British Bank" is all about duty, decorum, and maintaining a place in the societal hierarchy. It encapsulates the father's drive to see his son follow in his footsteps, valuing work above all. Contrast this with "Feed the Birds", where the value of small acts of kindness and compassion is underscored. It's not about money or status, but the impact we have on others. ❤️ In our chase for corporate success, it's easy to lean into the former, but the latter provides the essence of a life well-lived.
Gallup’s research offers a comprehensive understanding of what today’s employees seek. While we frequently equate employee engagement with fleeting contentment, especially during survey periods, it's much deeper than that. Engaged employees are indeed "enthusiastic," but they desire:
Purpose and meaningful work are fundamental. Employees want to be acknowledged for their unique contributions. Relationships, especially with managers who can guide them forward, are paramount. Gallup’s findings are striking: the manager or team leader accounts for a whopping 70% of the variance in team engagement.
In my early years, I trekked through West Africa's private equity jungles. 100-hour weeks were the "lion-sized" norm. Though the pay was lion-king level, the work conditions? More like Scar's lair. Switching to corporate finance felt like finding an oasis. It wasn't just about the job; it became a journey where I built lasting friendships, raised my family, built my financial freedom, and gained valuable professional milestones. This phase also paved the way for me to explore my inner callings like financial education and the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship.
March of this year marked my departure from the predictability of corporate life. I took a leap into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Now, five months in, not once have I felt the urge to glance back. The sense of building, owning, and shaping something is unparalleled. Monetary rewards are one thing, but the satisfaction of seeing your vision materialize? Priceless.
As you contemplate your career trajectory, pause and reflect. Every ladder rung might take you higher, but ensure that it's leaning against the right wall (or chimney). And while it's tempting to chase those higher digits on your paycheck, remember that not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything counted truly counts.
So, as you make your ascent, don't forget to occasionally stop, look down, and maybe... just maybe, feed some birds. And hey, if you see Mary Poppins on your way up, do ask her for some stock tips! ☂️🐦😂
🎥 Oh, and by the way, if you've got a spare moment and want to dive a bit deeper into my reflections, why not grab a snack and check out my YouTube video Reflections on A Decade in the Workforce: What Really Matters. Would love to hear your thoughts!
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