What we tell ourselves about our careers - by Kima Sargsyan

Our careers are not just paths we tread; they are narratives we create and maintain, stories we tell ourselves about who we are and where we're headed. These narratives shape our perceptions, decisions, and, ultimately, fulfillment in our professional lives. While the narratives are endless, there are some major thinking patterns we usually tap into. Our families, friends, professional networks, universities, and more influence these narratives, too. One narrative is the "linear progression". We often tell ourselves that success means climbing the ladder in a straight line, moving steadily upward with each step. However, reality could be different. Our paths will be filled with twists and turns—a setback leading to introspection, a lateral move to a different department, and a leap into entrepreneurship that may totally redefine the notion of progress. We may also move to another country and start over, change the path, and more. Then there's the "destiny" narrative, where we believe o

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