Is Running after Your Career Worth It?

Hello Readers,

I hope you all are doing great!

Today, like every week, I received a notification on my phone: “Ali Abdaal posted a new video — How to Guarantee You Regret Your Life on YouTube.” The video summarised five key regrets from the book “The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying” by Bronnie Ware. Watching it felt like receiving a much-needed reality check. As I delved into the video, my mind became a whirlwind of contemplation and overthinking. It struck me that I was experiencing a similar crisis in my own life.

As a student yet to complete her graduation, it might seem “Why should someone who has just started off her life have regrets?” In a world where everyone thrives for excellence and competition is at its peak, we often run after career, growth, and financial freedom, leaving behind leisure, family, friends, happiness, and peace. According to a report from India Today, the intense pressure on students to achieve high grades for career opportunities often leads to extreme sadness, hopelessness, and a disconnection from their true interests, ultimately resulting in mental health issues and an inability to enjoy their success.

I faced similar circumstances and predicaments which eventually led to life-long regrets.

1. I wish I valued people and relations: Owing to being socially isolated and introverted, coupled with burnout and career stress, led to me lacking interest and inclination to maintain bonds and social connections
2. I wish I appreciated the small moments instead of always waiting for major milestones: Believing in keeping the bar and expectations high, I was compelled to prioritize major accomplishments instead of smaller, everyday joys.
3. I wish I had lived in the present: In my pursuit of creating an extraordinary future through hustling, multitasking, decision-making, and managing responsibilities, I inadvertently neglected to engage in and fully enjoy present experiences.
4. I wish I had sought help: Having overly high personal expectations and a strong belief in self-reliance, I viewed seeking help as a sign of vulnerability and thus, I tended to handle challenges independently and struggled to admit when I needed assistance.
5. I wish I was proud of myself: In my relentless pursuit of career goals, I often tied my self-worth and identity to my professional achievements which led to seeking constant validation and ultimately left me void and unsatisfied.

Summary of all the above

While reflecting on my journey, I realized that I missed out on gathering many pieces of my life, which left the puzzle incomplete. In the quest to seek validation, career accomplishments and establish social status, I learnt the importance of balance, nurturing relationships, embracing present moments, seeking support and finding inner peace.

If you have faced something similar and want to share, feel free to drop a comment and share your thoughts on the above!