Let’s Talk About Career Ambitions.
I remember being a young twenty-something who suddenly found myself stepping into a senior manager’s role. The actual manager had just been promoted, and while her position was technically vacant, the work wasn’t. I was the only one on the team who knew the ins and outs of our weekly reporting, workflows, and team operations. It was intimidating—but also thrilling. I was eager to grow, to hit big career milestones, and to prove myself capable of rising to the challenge.
Looking back now, I think about that manager—my manager—who I was second-in-command to. She made time for me every week to talk through roadblocks the team was facing. One week, I came to her unsure of how to navigate a performance conversation with one of our top team members. He wasn’t interested in advancing his career—or at least hadn’t expressed any desire to. He was a rockstar at what he did, consistent and reliable, but I couldn’t figure out how to guide someone who didn’t want to “move up.”
That’s when she told me something that’s stayed with me throughout my career:
“There are some people who want to climb the ladder, and there are others who simply want to perfect their craft—and they’re happy where they are. And that’s OK too.”
At the time, that felt like a revelation. Now, years later, it’s common knowledge to me. And interestingly enough, I’ve become that person I once struggled to understand.
These days, I feel incredibly content and fulfilled in my role. I’m not chasing the next title or burning myself out trying to master a brand-new skill every week. I’ve been doing what I do for over a decade, and I consider myself an expert in my field. And with three young kids at home—including a newborn—and full-time homeschooling (which I share with my husband), balance is everything. I’m grateful to have a job where I can contribute meaningfully, maintain boundaries, and not constantly wonder whether I’m meeting expectations.
That’s why I believe we should all feel empowered to have honest, ongoing conversations with our managers about our career ambitions—and how they may shift over time. There is no one-size-fits-all definition of fulfillment at work. For some, it’s about stretch assignments and promotions. For others, it’s about consistency, flexibility, and being able to deliver great work without sacrificing personal well-being.
At earlier points in my career, I would’ve been hesitant—even ashamed—to say I needed work-life balance. I was raised to leave personal matters at the door. But times have changed. And while there are certainly limits to what we share, it’s healthy—and smart—to acknowledge the responsibilities we carry outside of work.
Here are a few reflection questions and tips if you’re navigating this for yourself:
• What’s consistently running out of time in your day? Where do you feel off balance—and what’s working well that you’d love to keep going?
• What kind of work leaves you feeling like you’ve made a real impact? How can you have more of those moments in your day-to-day role?
• If financial growth is top of mind right now, what new skills could help you get to the next level? Explore what training or mentorship opportunities exist within your organization—they might be more accessible than you think.
• Have you noticed other teams or departments that operate in a way that better suits your ideal workflow? Even if they’re not hiring, get to know the team and make friends with them. Things are always shifting and changing in the workplace, and you never know how relationships will benefit you. Building relationships now could open doors later—things are always changing.
Your career ambitions don’t have to look the same at every stage of your life. And that’s okay. What matters most is that your work supports the life you want to live—not the other way around.
I’d love to hear from others—has your definition of career growth shifted over the years?