More than climbing the ladder
For many, «career» evokes resistance—often associated with promotions, prestige, and income. I refer to this as the outer career, shaped by societal norms. In contrast, the inner career is guided by personal values and needs. Success, in my view, means realizing your own vision of work and life—whether that’s impact, purpose, or freedom. Conflicting desires often coexist: international roles may compete with the wish for balance. Many of my clients are seeking more than recognition—they want to contribute meaningfully to the world.
Self-awareness as a foundation for career choices
A personal and professional assessment helps clarify your needs and values—such as autonomy or a sense of community. If you want to plan your career strategically, build it around your strengths and what truly motivates you. Many people realise only later in life that something’s missing—and seek work that better fits their personality. Such changes take effort. That’s why it pays to reflect early on what career success means to you.
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What do you want: salary, impact or self-expression?