A few years back, I found myself on a business trip to Italy with my partner, an incredible opportunity that filled me with excitement. Yet, in the days leading up to our departure, I was consumed with anxiety at the thought of someone asking, “What do you do?” I didn’t hold a prestigious title or a hefty paycheck. Instead, I was at home with my kids, taking on freelance writing gigs during their naptime or while they were in kindergarten.
Years ago, I stepped off the corporate ladder in favor of a different path. While I truly cherish that decision, I still grapple with feelings of insecurity. It seems that our society is obsessed with the idea of having more—higher salaries, better job titles, bigger homes—leading many of us to burnout or disillusionment.
Even though I left that relentless pursuit behind a long time ago, I still battle feelings of inadequacy. I can’t be the only one who feels this way. There’s a popular meme circulating that critiques our culture’s obsession with job titles and income, challenging the notion that our worth is tied to our financial success rather than our enjoyment of life.
Let’s be candid: we exist in a culture steeped in toxic capitalism. In America, capitalism is often celebrated as an inherent value. From a young age, we’re taught that “success” equates to climbing the corporate ladder, earning more money, and accumulating possessions. In my early twenties, I began to question this narrative. I left a lucrative career as a lawyer for a position that paid half as much. Over the years, my career has meandered in various directions, and while I’ve mostly embraced it, doubts still creep in.
Despite knowing that a bigger paycheck does not equate to happiness, I sometimes find myself wondering if I made the right choice. I wonder if I should be more ambitious, if I would gain more respect or feel more valuable. It can be overwhelming.
I have to admit, I wrestle with these feelings regularly. I write this not only as a reminder for myself but also for anyone who feels inadequate because their life choices don’t conform to societal expectations. It’s important to recognize that our value doesn’t hinge on our jobs or salaries.
This is not to say we shouldn’t take pride in our professional achievements; they are part of who we are. However, true success should be about finding joy in ourselves and our actions. It doesn’t require boardrooms named after us or documentaries about our success stories. Instead, it’s about nurturing our passions, sharing our light, and finding contentment.
Of course, this is easier said than done. I’ve spent countless hours in therapy unpacking these feelings, grappling with my self-worth as it relates to my income or title. But deep down, I know the truth: success isn’t solely defined by job titles or earnings.
As Maya Angelou beautifully put it: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” We must stop linking our self-worth to our salaries or job positions. But how do we achieve this?
Honestly, I’m still figuring it out. I believe it starts by surrounding ourselves with people who share our values and uplift us. It’s about recognizing that just because others are chasing a particular path doesn’t mean it’s the right one for us. As Amy Poehler wisely said, “Good for you, not for me.” Embracing a counter-cultural definition of success can be radical, and deciding to reject the capitalist narrative is a form of success in itself.
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Summary
In a society obsessed with income and job titles, it’s easy to feel inadequate when your choices don’t align with conventional success metrics. However, true fulfillment comes from within, and we must redefine what success means to us individually. Embracing our unique paths, prioritizing joy, and surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals can help us combat feelings of inadequacy.
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