Is the rat race really worth it? What about family, friends, growing in virtue, etc.? Seems like we’re losing something in our culture… we think we need that raise or promotion and then we’ll be happy, only to keep chasing that next increase. I’m caught up in it and I want out, but it’s almost like an addiction.

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Career aspirations, family, and friends aren’t mutually exclusive. Gotta find that balance

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Highly individual. I’m an L6 at google and my level is what most people would consider “terminal” in that the WLB & comp are spot on for living a comfortable life & enjoying free time.

I don’t want to go to the next level and assume more responsibility and that’s perfectly fine by me as I’d rather be at my kids football games & dance recitals. I am always happy to help people get to the higher levels because that’s their goal but I’d never push someone there that doesn’t want to be.

I got caught in the rat race early on and learned quickly from it.

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Welcome to being an adult. Every generation feels this, and every person feels this at times during their career. Stay true to your core values and let your conscience guide you to what is right for you. Everyone's path is different. Good luck!

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Lol partners are not rich? The same partners that are making 400k to a milli +? Lol someone save us from the trust fund babies that are ever gaslighting us.

It is not you who are in a rat race. It is the companies chasing mindless goals and all of us are stuck in the whirlpool. The only to get out of rat race is to leave the whirlpool.
I felt the same three years ago..quit the job but didn't have a solid plan B. And then came pandemic... within two years of quitting my work, i found myself struggling and coping with mental health and what not. Now i see most things from the point of brain and mental health. When i quit i had exact same questions and not knowing what i really wanted.
Here's what i learned -
1. For brain to work healthy, it has to be occupied for 8 hours - so our endeavor should be to find a job/occupation that we enjoy so that 8 hours seem fun
2. We underestimate the environment and ecosystems we work in- these are also places where we build networks, cultivate friendships...ultimately helping our dear brain to find new neural pathways - very important. Don't compromise what you have for a fancy you just have in mind.
3. There is no such thing called passion - our ultimate goal/ passion is to do things that energizes us. Just chase those. How to energize ourselves every single day - if you find that in a job, great! If not, then that's what you,me and all of us should be focusing on. Do more such things. Make them a habit. Like writing to you is energizing... hence this long passage.
4. To your point on 'addiction'. We have trained our minds to work a certain way ...quitting a job may just be a decision away but unless we know how else we can keep this monster engaged, i don't think it will be any friendly to you..rewards, promotions etc. are necessary dopamine hits that keeps us going..how do you plan to engage yourself if you decide to leave or move. These are important considerations. Don't fall for narratives such as rat race, passion, we are lost etc.. just know yourself well enough and then take a leap.

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Partner 1 is right. You have to stay true to your core values and not compare yourself to others. Only you can decide what you are comfortable with doing with your life.

Assuming you’re referring to US culture, we aren’t “losing” much. You’re in an industry with ties to middle and upper economic classes. You’re in a country that markets itself as being one where people can earn lots of money if they prioritize working. What you see going on IS American culture, which is why every generation wonders if they should break away from the idea that they should be chasing workplace accomplishments and money to be content in life. It’s such a big question because financial safety nets are low and demonized; having little money leads to poorer health and well-being outcomes.

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Consulting is horrible. It has been extremely detrimental to my mental health for the few years I’ve been in it, and I’ve realized the money means very little. I’d recommend reprioritizing what’s important to you. For me, it was my career and partner. I’m now moving to another country with her and pursuing grad school to make a career change. I had to challenge the assumption that title, salary, and prestige mean that much.

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Define your values and try to align with it. Rat race is only ‘ worth it’ to you if you know why you’re in the race and what you’re doing it for. It’s only worth the value you give it. Avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone has their own path. What is addicting about it to you specifically?

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Everything in balance.

That said, a common emerging attitude on this app seems to be to treat work as “just a job.”

I can’t see happy outcomes from going through the motions at what you spend most of your time doing. Maybe equally sad to being a total workaholic. Incidentally, we need to bring that term back.

Chase it!

When I treat material goods not as ends but rather means toward higher values, I’m a lot happier and less concerned about progressing up the income ladder.

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