@Louise H, Thank you for this beautiful comment. I think we often struggle to see our success in the moment. I’m glad time helped you see your success!

My working life was hard work, to put it mildly. My husband was often away for work and I took on the main responsibility for looking after our two sons whilst at the same time having a demanding full-time job of my own. I don’t feel the level I reached in my career reflect my true abilities. This used to bother me, I used to feel I’d ‘failed’ – but now I feel very differently. I look back at young me and I feel very proud of what I was able to achieve in terms of doing a good job at work whilst at the same time looking after my children (and husband). This was very difficult at times – I don’t really know how I did it! I’m now retired and have very strong, loving relationships with my husband and sons, a great family in general and lots of good friends and stuff to do. That to me is happiness, that is success, and I feel so lucky that my life has turned out the way it has.

@Gov Worker, I don’t think we should stop striving for success. We need aims, goals, and objectives to keep life fun and interesting. I’m trying to add other measurements of success, because I want to aim for a well rounded, joyful life. It can be hard to think holistically when dollar signs flash before our eyes. I think the goal is to balance our core values with our desire to earn more, which is easier for some people than others.

@Steveark, Thanks for the comment. In the past, you’ve mentioned your enjoyment at work and your passion for the work you performed. I think that makes a big difference in the way you view success. I also agree that you can make your way up the corporate ladder and still forge strong relationships and prioritize family. It’s great that you lived an intentional life while working and know many other corporate execs who did the same. I think time is changing the definition of success and I’m happy we are finding better ways to balance the social, occupational, and physical aspects of that term.