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Tell Me About It: Step back and figure out what moves you

 
Published Sept. 29, 2014

from career goals to figure out what moves you

Q: Is it okay to work your butt off during school, get a great job, make good enough money, and then just coast off that? I'm happy, but I feel a little lazy, too. I'm not motivated to make any more money since I'm comfortable, and the way my company is set up, there's nowhere to be promoted. My modus operandi has always been to push myself like crazy, so it feels like I'm cheating somehow. I realize this is a bit of a philosophical as opposed to practical problem, but would love your input.

Relaxing vs. Giving Up?

Carolyn: Why not turn your motivation, or just your guilt, toward something outside of work?

I'd like to be agnostic on coasting, but people seem to feel more fulfilled with a passion. It doesn't have to be a passion for work, though; I think we're more sold on that culturally than is good for us.

It also doesn't have to be an instant "I love to do X!," followed by signing up for X this weekend. If anything, achievers need a little time to figure out what moves them after all those years of external goals. So give yourself that time, look around.

Anonymous: I used to think the same thing about myself. Now I think of it as a CHOICE I made about my quality of life. I leave work at 5 p.m. and don't give it another thought until 8 a.m. That leaves me time for what I find fulfilling and important — spending time with husband and dog, going out with friends, taking on a regular volunteer commitment, doing sports.

When I finally let go of my old expectations for myself, being comfortable and happy is a lot more fun than always trying to achieve that next illusive thing.

Carolyn: Hear, hear.