Tell Us What You Want, What You Really Really Want
Posted by Gen Yner on December 8, 2009
At age 5, I asked my Uncle Jeremy what it would take to become president. At age 10, I devoured the Baby-Sitter’s Club books not because I cared about Stacey’s diabetes or Claudia’s flare for fashion, but because the books gave me ideas about how I might run my own business one day. From the oval office to the board room, I fixated on positions of power. Being successful meant reaching the top. Like George W. Bush, I was obsessed with my legacy. How would the history books remember me? I dreamt about being the correct answer to a multiple choice question like, “Who was the most influential American woman of the 21st century?”
In my early 20s, my measurements of success began to change. My pursuits became less about achievements and accolades and more about impact. A successful career would mean using my skills and talents for the betterment of society.
I’m not unique. Gen Yers are often described as ambitious, motivated, over-achievers with an insatiable desire to make a difference in this world. According to recent polls, climbing the corporate ladder and accumulating wealth are not our highest priorities. We want something more.
This week’s “Tell Us What You Want, What You Really Really Want” theme is success. Gen Y women, we want to hear from you. How do you define success at work? What are your barometers of success? What does a successful career look like to you?
You can post your musings on Young Women Misbehavin, Facebook, Twitter or email me at kbarrett@bpwfoundation.org.
