The Only Way to Go Is Up
They say when you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. This seems logical, but where is “up”? We look up to the sky and down to the ground. Where is up if you are in outer space?
When you consider your career, is “up the ladder” the only way to go? Or is there something more. Can taking a pay cut actually be “moving up”? That depends on what you’re moving from and what you’re moving to. For many, stepping down is a sign of failure. One might argue that staying where you aren’t happy is also a sign of failure. It’s all relative.
A smart businessperson will move as business dictates; supply and demand. If a trend falls out of favor, it’s time to adjust the plan. Life is dynamic. It is always changing. It’s up to us whether we recognize the changes and adjust accordingly.
If you are no longer happy where you are, does it make sense to stick with it because that’s what’s expected? Because that’s how you move up? Do you trade your happiness for someone else’s expectations? How about trading up by simply trading. Trade long hours and high stress for fewer hours and doing what you enjoy. It’s quality of life.
One might argue that staying where you aren’t happy is also a sign of failure. It’s all relative.
Quality of life is also a relative term. It is different for everyone. Your choices have to be your own. Not society’s, not your parents’, not mine. You need to decide what is right for you.
Take a close look at where you are and what you are doing. Is it where you want to be? Is it even on the path of where you want to be? If the answer to the second question is no, then it might be time to start blazing a new path, or at least finding one that’s more enjoyable to walk on.