For many, landing a prestigious job is seen as the ultimate career achievement. The high salary, impressive title, and recognition make it feel like you’ve “made it.” But here’s the thing—just because a job looks successful on paper doesn’t mean it actually feels that way. More and more people are discovering that traditional markers of success don’t always translate to real fulfilment.

Let’s dig into what makes a job prestigious, why prestige and money might not be enough, and how you can redefine success on your own terms.

What Makes a Job Prestigious, Really?

A “prestigious” job usually comes with a few key elements: a high salary, a fancy title, and a recognized brand name. These positions often come with perks and status that society associates with success. Think about jobs like executive roles, positions in finance, law, or any high-ranking title. But here’s the question—is this your definition of success?

Prestige offers certain benefits, yes, but if you’re starting to feel disconnected or unfulfilled, it’s worth taking a step back to reflect. Perhaps society’s definition of success might not necessarily be yours, or maybe, you’ve outgrown society’s definition of success and you’re looking for more. And that’s okay. It’s okay to not want what everyone else wants. And to outgrow what you previously wanted.

Why Prestige and Status Aren’t Always Enough

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to redefine success, consider this: prestige and status can give you a sense of accomplishment, but they don’t necessarily bring long-term satisfaction. Here’s why they might be holding you back.

Chasing Validation Can Be Exhausting

It’s easy to stay in a role because of the recognition it brings from family, friends, or society. But constantly trying to meet external expectations can become draining. When you’re focused on validation from others, you risk losing sight of what actually makes you happy.

Over time, this can lead to emotional fatigue and even burnout. You may find yourself feeling empty, despite outward success. It’s like you’re climbing a ladder that doesn’t actually lead to where you want to be.

It’s Not Just About Passion vs. Money

People often assume that career fulfilment comes down to a choice between passion and money. But it doesn’t have to be one or the other. You can have both—you can build a career that’s financially stable and personally fulfilling. This isn’t about choosing extremes; it’s about finding a balance that works for you. Think of it as finding your own shade of grey, rather than sticking to black or white. A successful career isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept.

Three individuals collaborate at a table, examining blueprints as they redefine their career paths together.

Defining Success on Your Own Terms

If you’re feeling that pull to redefine success, start by figuring out what actually matters to you. Here’s how to begin.

Ask Yourself What Really Matters

Here are some questions to help:

How important is financial stability, and what level of income feels right for you?
Do you want flexibility in your schedule?
Are you looking to make a specific impact in the world or in your community?
What brings you a sense of purpose?
At this stage of your career, what are you looking to optimize?
Is it pay? Prestige? Purpose? Flexibility? Fulfilment? Impact? Legacy? Power? Etc.
How would you rank these different values?

Getting clear on what matters most will help you build a career that aligns with your personal goals—not just societal expectations.

Your Definition of Success Can Change Over Time

This is important to remember: just as you grow and evolve over time, it’s only natural that your goals and priorities evolve as well. Maybe early in your career, you focused on financial stability and climbing the corporate ladder. Now, you might be more interested in creativity, freedom, or building something of your own. Recognizing that your definition of success can change is empowering. It means you can adjust your path without guilt or hesitation. Your career can—and should—grow with you.

To move beyond traditional definitions of success, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate what success really means to you. Everyone’s idea of success is different, and it’s critical to define it in a way that reflects your unique values, passions, and long-term goals.

Creating Goals That Align With Your Values

Once you’ve redefined what success looks like for you, you now have your North Star to guide your career. The next step is to create goals that reflect your personal values. These goals should be meaningful and help you achieve the life you want, both professionally and personally.

For example, if you value making a difference, you might consider finding a role that has more autonomy or joining a company that has a strong mission you’re aligned with. If being able to spend time with your young family is important to you, your goal might be to find a role that offers flexible hours or remote work options.

Actionable Tip

Create a list of your top five values, such as creativity, freedom, or making an impact.
Assess how your current job aligns with these values.
Think about what changes you can make to bring your career more in line with your personal goals.

Signs Your Prestigious Job Might Be Holding You Back

Not sure if you’re in the right place? Here are a few signs that your prestigious job might actually be limiting your growth or happiness.

You Feel Trapped By The Title Expectations

Your role is impressive, but deep down, you know it’s not what you really want. Yet leaving feels impossible because of the prestige attached to it.

You’re Overvaluing the Brand

You’re staying because the company’s name opens doors—but if that name disappeared, would you still be fulfilled?

Golden Handcuffs, oh Golden Handcuffs

The salary, benefits, or bonuses are keeping you tied down, even though the work itself doesn’t light you up anymore.

Your Identity Feels Boxed In

People define you by your job title or employer, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re losing touch with who you are outside of work.

You’re Sacrificing Your Dreams

Your passion project, career pivot, or entrepreneurial itch is on pause because you’re too invested in what you “should” do, rather than what you want to do.

You’re Trapped by Expectations

You’re staying because it’s what your family, friends, or society expects, rather than what you truly want. It can be scary to let go of the image everyone has of you, but people pleasing is ultimately not going to make you happy.

Summary: 3 Steps to Redefine Success and Build a Career That Fits

Step 1: Define Success On Your Own Terms

If you’ve achieved society’s definition of success and still not found happiness, then the first step is to let go of traditional markers of success as the only measure of achievement. High salary and titles can be great, but perhaps those aren’t the only measures of success that matter to you.

Think about what you’re trying to optimize for in your career at this stage of your life - is it fulfilment? Purpose? Legacy? And recognize that what mattered to you previously may no longer be of as much importance today as you climb up Maslow’s Hierarchy through the course of your career.

Step 2: Set Goals That Reflect Your Values

Once you’ve identified your values, you now have the North Star to shape the next chapter of your career. Start by setting career goals that align with your redefined version of success. This can mean anything from finding a role with more flexibility to pursuing projects that are closer to your passions.

If you’re unsure where to start, try this:

Write down your top five values (creativity, freedom, financial security, making an impact, etc.).
Assess how your current job aligns with these values.
Think about small adjustments that could help bring your career in line with what matters most.

Step 3: Take Action Toward Aligning Your Career with Your New Goals

Here are a few ways to start making changes that bring your career closer to your values:

Expand Your Role: Look for new projects or responsibilities that actually excite you.
Negotiate for Flexibility: Adjust your work environment, hours, or responsibilities if possible, to better align with your personal goals.
Build a New Career: If adjusting your current role doesn’t bring you the alignment you’re looking for, it might be time to consider new opportunities. This could mean exploring different fields, taking on a side project, or even starting your own business. Don’t be afraid to take bold steps; your career should evolve as you do.

Don’t be afraid to take bold steps; your career should evolve as you do.

Ready to Start Redefining Success?

Remember, there’s no singular definition of success - success looks different for everyone based on what you value. What worked for you five years ago might not be what brings you happiness today, and that’s completely normal. You don’t have to keep climbing a ladder (just because you started on it) if it’s taking you in the wrong direction.

If you’re starting to feel like your prestigious job isn’t giving you the fulfilment you need, it might be time to make a change. Redefining success doesn’t mean giving up on ambition—it means finding a version of success that fits your values, your goals, and your life.

Want to start the journey to a more fulfilling career? Book a call with me and my team today I’d love to help you redefine success on your own terms.

Redefining Success: Why Your Prestigious Job Might Be Holding You Back