4 Career Goals You Think Will Make You Happy - The Muse

4 Career Goals You Think Will Make You Happy - The Muse4 Career Goals You Think Will Make You HappyHave you ever set out a clear career plan with specific goals for yourself?When I first started out in consulting, my plan welches simple Get a big raise. Get a promotion. Start getting bonuses. Then break six-figures. Finally score an even bigger promotion (with a really nice title). Years later I had all of the above, and yet- I welches miserable. It took me a while to figure out that my career milestones werent making me happy, and moraover, I had spent years chasing the wrong goals. Ugh.Id love for that to not happen to you.So lets break it down, shall we?1. Standard Milestone Get Promoted EarlyHave you ever started at an entry-level or mid-level position at a company, met a few people higher in the ranks, and then thought to yourself Wow, Id love to have their jobs?At my first few big corporate jobs, I welches obsessed with getting promoted. I felt like it was a small stretch to go from where I was to the next rung on the ladder, and that getting promoted would make me happy. Id get paid more, Id get recognition for my work, and Id be a bigger fish in a smaller pond.Who doesnt want that?Except- it didnt make me happy. Stretched over a year, the raise didnt make a significant impact in my daily life, and the work I was doing didnt really change.What I Wish Id Focused on InsteadFiguring out what kind of work would help me begin to tap into my potential as a person (and even lead to some real happiness). That first promotion is a rush, but instead of focusing just on that, I couldve read more books, attended interesting events, developed a few more skills, and spent that time learning and growing my network inside and outside of my company so Id have plenty of options at my fingertips, and mentors to help me grow. 2. Standard Milestone Getting That Fancy OfficeHave you ever had office envy? I 100% did in my first big corporate gig. Everyone had their own office, but I was stuck in an inside windowless cell, while my more senior co-workers had lovely views and beautiful desks.I lusted after their offices.I spent an embarrassing amount of time thinking about and campaigning to get one. I thought it would give me recognition, I thought Id feel better about my job, and I thought my work day would be nicer. The office would save me I knew I needed to get promoted first, but I also knew that if I campaigned hard, I could sway my boss on which of the empty and lovely offices would be mine. After less than a year, I finally got my fancy office- complete with a view of the river. I thought it would immediately confer recognition and gravitas to my career- Id be taken seriously. I have a windowBut, it of course, did none of those things. And even more surprisingly- I was so lonely.What I Wish Id Focused on InsteadI was so caught up in the prestige of a fancy office, I lost sight of two milestones that are hugely important working with people who mot ivate you and loving your workspaceWhen I changed jobs down the road, I ended up in a desk in the middle of 30 other people- and I loved it. The people around me motivated me to do better, entertained me when I needed a break, and made coming to work fun. And I even liked my desk-in-the-middle-of-the room. Sure, it wasnt fancy wood and didnt have a view of the river, but it was way more comfortable and I felt good working there. Both these things lead me to be a better leader and better version of myself- which is a way better milestone than the fake prestige of a fancy office. So think about that Are you working with people who motivate and support you? And are you working in a space that allows you to feel comfortable and good at what you do? 3. Standard Milestone Making a Certain Amount of Money per YearAfter I changed jobs and got promoted a couple of times my new obsession became to break six figures in income before I hit age 30. I felt like that salary would be an external re cognition of how good I was at my job, that I was on the right path in my career, and that I was worth something. Obviously, they were paying me, right? Yeah- are you seeing the theme here? Chasing the money was a distraction from the fact that I didnt really love my chosen career, and I couldnt imagine doing it for the rest of my life. But, I kept telling myself that I needed a fancy lifestyle, and the money was an important piece of maintaining my makeup addiction (and therefore my happiness).I feel into the trap of thinking that money is happiness, which we all know is so not the case. Not only is money not equal to happiness, but my focus on it also kept me stuck, because it made it easy to justify staying stuck in the wrong career.What I Wish Id Focused on InsteadI wish I had worried less about spending the money that I had (and making a certain figure) and more about the question Is this career fueling the life that I want?Sure, having some money is good But if all you focus o n is the money, it doesnt lead to happiness. For me, the hard truth was that I was buying a lot of things I didnt need because I wasnt getting my happiness through work.Dont get me wrong, I like nice things. Im a fan of shoes, and vacations, and being comfortable. But not if it comes 100% at the expense of myself and my career. When I started my coaching practice I cut back on everything that was unnecessary, like vacations and trips to Nordstroms. And you know what was weird? I didnt miss those things at all.Why? Because the work kept me happy, and it allowed me flexibility, creativity, autonomy and freedom. Basically, it fueled the lifestyle I wanted, and that made all the difference. To sum up I think a better career milestone that a certain amount of money is asking yourself Do I love my life? And then focus on the kind of work that helps you love all parts of your life.4. Standard Milestone Getting a High-Level Title Like Director or VPI thought that Id be happier if I had a re ally fancy title. Other people would instantly respect me, Id obviously have achieved a certain level of success, yada yada. Youve read this far, you know the drillBut when I got the tapped to be made Director of my Business Unit, my internal monologue was just the sound of someone screaming.Did I take the job? Of course I thought Id be crazy not to. Also, my geschftsleben card would be even more stately But, after getting the title and shoving 400 new business cards into a corner, I found my soul died a little bit more each day. I had even more on my to-do list that I didnt love. And, I felt like I was doing work I wasnt even great at anymore- and that was pretty soul crushing.Heres the thing A title is great, but not if it means you lose a piece of yourself or what you actually like to do.What I Wish Id Focused on InsteadOne of the cool things about getting more experienced and recognized is the chance to increase your level of impact on the world.Instead of chasing the title and being focused on a few words on a business card, think about Whats the next step to serve more people? or How can I make a bigger impact? Or What am I doing right now that helps the world in some way- big or small?Now I have one of the biggest titles around- that of CEO. But I honestly dont even think about it, because what matters to me are the emails I get every week from someone in my community telling me how I helped them change their career (and change their lives).And that beats a fancy business card any dayA lot of us look for career milestones that carry external recognition, like promotions or titles. But, if you arent happy on the inside, no title is going to solve that problem. Instead, try and map your milestones to things that bring you actual happiness, like doing work you love, working with people who support you, having a workspace or place that makes you feel good, having an impact (no matter how big or small), and really reaching your potential as a human being.You are a pretty awesome person with tons to offer- now get out there and do it