In this podcast, the host coaches a high-achiever who is questioning her path on the corporate ladder. They discuss burnout, work-life balance, and redefining success beyond promotions. The importance of understanding team members and finding meaning in work is emphasized. Redefining career success and establishing boundaries are also explored.
Redefining success beyond promotions and seeking meaningful work and impact.
Setting boundaries to prevent burnout and prioritize work-life balance.
Taking ownership of career choices and pursuing fulfillment and joy.
Deep dives
Redefining Success and Career Path
Carmen is reevaluating her definition of success and career path. She realizes that her identity has been tied to promotions and constant advancement. Now, she is questioning whether that path is still meaningful to her. She wants to prioritize meaningful work, a positive work-life balance, and a culture that aligns with her values. She plans to have open conversations with her manager about her new definition of success and the type of work that brings her fulfillment. Additionally, she acknowledges the need to reset expectations with her peers and address any tensions or discomfort that may arise.
Recognizing the Importance of Boundaries
Throughout the podcast, Carmen highlights how setting boundaries is crucial for her well-being and preventing burnout. She reflects on the signs of burnout she experienced in the past and the need to establish clear boundaries around work hours and workload. Carmen aims to have a conversation with her boss about her boundaries and the importance of maintaining a sustainable workload. She realizes that boundaries are essential for maintaining work-life balance and allowing her to show up as her best self.
Shifting the Focus from Promotion to Meaningful Work
Carmen recognizes that her past definition of success revolved around promotions and external recognition. However, she now wants to shift her focus to meaningful work and making a positive impact. She plans to redefine success for herself, looking beyond promotions and considering the satisfaction she derives from doing valuable work and contributing to her company's mission. Carmen seeks to have conversations with her boss to align her path and expectations, ensuring that she works on projects that are important and fulfilling to her.
Navigating Change and Reinventing Career Expectations
Carmen understands that her career goals and expectations have evolved, which has led her to question her current path. She acknowledges that as circumstances change, such as the pandemic and organizational shifts, her experience of burnout and the need for work-life balance will influence her decision-making. Carmen is determined to navigate change by reassessing her priorities, potential paths, and desired recognition. She aims to have open dialogue with her boss and colleagues, seeking a career trajectory that aligns with her values and goals.
The Importance of Recognizing Personal Boundaries and Ownership
Throughout her journey, Carmen learns the importance of acknowledging personal boundaries and taking ownership of her choices. She realizes that she has the agency to choose her career path and determine what success means to her. Carmen plans to set clear boundaries, have transparent conversations, and seek recognition for her meaningful work. She also understands that she cannot control how others perceive her choices, but she will prioritize her well-being and pursue a path that brings her fulfillment and joy.
She’s a high-achiever who has defined herself through her achievements and promotions. But she’s hit some bumps in her career and she’s feeling less engaged in her work. Now she’s questioning the leadership track she’s on. Host Muriel Wilkins coaches her through defining what success looks like for her moving forward.