Success As We Know It

I was that kid. The kid who loved school and saw ‘B’s as a mark of shame. I was also quite the people-pleaser: parents, teachers, friends, dance teachers, etc. And now, I’m sitting here in my twenties at the end of the academic sidewalk, and I realize the path has led somewhere I never expected. The cookie-cutter definition of ‘success’ was a goal I was encouraged to believe in and strive for. But when I looked around, I failed to see why I was supposed to want it.

This post was inspired by a blog written by Kayla Cruz on Youtern titled: Gen Y Redefines Career Success (and They’re Not Sorry). She writes about how the up-and-coming generation (Gen Y or Millennials) has a more holistic approach to ‘success’ compared with its elders.  We see our parents (and grandparents for that matter) chained to their office chairs. We see 60-hour work weeks, an empty seat at baseball games and “vacations” demanding work during the one time a year set aside for family. And after being raised to equate “success” with this...we realize this isn’t what we thought we wanted.

The lack of balance just isn’t appealing anymore. Our generation notices that society has made work/career the epitome of life. And we disagree. For us, it’s time to change the unhealthy and unnecessary workaholic norm.

Companies seemingly enjoy workaholics and the boost in “efficiency” and drive. Truth is, [and thank GOD the truth shall set us free!] overworking actually hinders efficiency and causes organizations to lose millions every year. According to the Boston Consulting Group, “94% of 1,000 professionals worked 50 or more hours a week, with nearly half clocking 65 hours or more. In addition, most put in another 20 to 25 hours a week outside the office thumbing their BlackBerrys.” This same study showed that with predicted time off, employees saw improved internal communication, improved problem-solving and higher job satisfaction.

So workaholics get a cheery paycheck, but it’s compounded continually by misery and stagnant relationships. Workaholics also have (or are in the midst of attaining) a nice title. But outside the boardroom and your corporate circles, who really cares? You do a job like like billions of other people. What else have you got? 

Gen Y strives to have an answer to that question. Instead of cracking the work whip, I say we support this valiant goal. Our husbands, wives, children, and friends will appreciate it.