A Gentle Reminder: You Are Much More Than Your Income

A few years back, I embarked on a work trip to Italy with my partner. It was a fantastic opportunity, but in the lead-up to the journey, anxiety gripped me. I dreaded the question, “What do you do?” because I felt I had no impressive answer. I didn’t possess a high-profile job title or a substantial salary. Instead, I was a stay-at-home parent, taking on freelance writing gigs during nap times or while my kids were at kindergarten.

Years earlier, I had left a promising career in law, and while I felt fulfilled by that choice, insecurities lingered. The pressures of our society seem relentless, constantly pushing us towards bigger salaries, loftier job titles, and more material possessions. It’s a cycle that can lead to burnout and disillusionment.

Despite having stepped off that exhausting treadmill long ago, I still grapple with feelings of inadequacy. I know many others share this struggle. A popular meme highlights our culture’s skewed values, emphasizing what we do and how much we earn over who we are and how we live.

Let’s be clear: we exist in a society that often champions toxic capitalism. In the U.S., capitalism is ingrained in our identity, and we are led to believe that “success” equates to climbing the corporate ladder—more money, higher status, and more possessions.

In my early 20s, I began to question this narrative. I transitioned from a lucrative legal career to a position that paid half my previous salary. Over the years, my professional journey has seen its ups and downs, but I’ve found contentment in the choices I’ve made. My partner and I prioritize experiences over material goods, choosing to travel and support charitable causes instead of accumulating more items. We live simply with a small home and one shared vehicle, focusing on minimizing our possessions.

Yet, I still occasionally feel less than adequate, particularly when surrounded by those who are focused on achieving more, climbing higher, and playing a game that, let’s be honest, is often rigged. I sometimes wonder what my life would look like had I followed the expected path of professional success. Would I be seen as more important or worthy?

But I refuse to succumb to that mindset. I frequently remind myself and others that our professional achievements should not define our worth. It’s essential to value all aspects of life, not just those tied to career advancements. We all have a role in improving the world around us, but that doesn’t necessarily require financial gains or climbing corporate ladders. Instead, true fulfillment comes from nurturing our souls, sharing our passions, and embracing contentment.

This journey is not easy. I’ve spent countless hours in therapy navigating these feelings of inadequacy—questioning why my income isn’t as high as others or why my freelancer status feels less prestigious. Yet, deep down, I know that success isn’t solely measured by a job title or paychecks.

Maya Angelou once said, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” It’s crucial that we stop tying our self-worth to our income or professional status. Although I still find myself grappling with this, I believe that finding a supportive community, one that shares your values and interests outside of work, can help. Remember, just because someone else’s path seems appealing doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. As Amy Poehler wisely stated, “Good for you, not for me.” Rejecting the narrow view of success defined by salary and title is a courageous act, and embracing this mindset can be liberating.

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In summary, we must recognize that our value extends far beyond our salaries or job titles. Embracing who we are, our passions, and our choices can lead to a more fulfilled life. Remember, success is about self-acceptance and finding joy in what you do.

Keyphrase: Defining success beyond salary

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