Outside of the building where I work, there’s a row of parking spots near the entrance that are reserved for the executives. Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Saab are all represented. I’m not talking about the entry-level coupes and sedans; several of these cars retail for well into six figures. Beautiful cars.
When I arrive at work in the morning, the cars are there. When I leave in the evening, the cars are still there.
Invariably, there will also be a tiny, beaten compact car with bumper stickers, peeling paint, fishing poles, and camping equipment all but hanging out of the windows. The drivers of these cars are often seen scurrying out of their cubicles at 4:30pm on the dot, racing to an afternoon adventure or simply getting on with their lives. I’m stereotyping, but you know what I’m talking about.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with working hard, having nice things, or any of that. I just have to wonder about the fulfillment of the person who’s pulling into their driveway at 10pm after an evening of fishing vs. the person who’s just sending their last email at 10pm…before checking it again when they get home.
…and coming into the office a few hours later.
It’s not for everyone. Go fish.
{ 6 comments }
Great post! Success can be such a subjective goal. We all search for it, but so many don’t know at exactly what point we would consider ourselves to be successful. We sacrifice so much to attain exactly what? Write a vision and make it plain, then go fish…or relax on the beach!
Thanks Tymerial. The subjective nature of success is what makes it so difficult to quantify. I know people with wealth who are never satisfied, and I know individuals who live meagerly with great fulfillment.
I think it takes a bit of soul searching to find the balance. I’m not motivated by recognition, for example. I’d rather help a stranger with something trivial in secret than do something that will get me recognized, promoted, etc. I’m just wired differently.
What about you? We haven’t caught up since we got Thai in Tallahassee! Ancient history, no?
Wow! You must have been reading my mind over the last month as I’ve transitioned into my new role at work. When I arrive at work in the morning, my car is one of few sprinkled across the first row of spaces designated for the commoners of corporate…and remains there…accompanied only by those in the executive row when I leave at 7:30pm, 8pm…or even later. Here’s my question: where do I fall if I drive the beat up suv ( still with FL plates) but leave when the senior leaders do…as they pull off in their ridiculously expensive cars?? But seriously…
Alex-
You’re a special case. I think you’re very much the type of woman who could become an under-30 CEO or white collar executive at a pretty young age. You do good work, understand how to network effectively, and seem to be motivated with an otherworldly drive.
I think your new position will force you to decide what’s really important. With you making good money and working long hours in PA, you will very quickly begin to put life in perspective (since your family and loved ones aren’t a reasonable driveaway anymore). I’m excited about your new chapter and my only wish is that you keep things in perspective as you take on these new challenges.
The excitement of the money will be short-lived. The satisfaction of a job well done will be replaced with an understanding that sometimes you just need to get it done any kind of way. The challenges will teach you a new way of thinking about work, and your level of fulfillment will become much more important to you.
That’s when the fun begins.
Success is a difficult to measure. You also have the people that have the high paying job yet still go home stressed about their finances.
Managing your money ineffectively can be a disaster no matter your income level.
Yeah man. Success is highly subjective as well.