Humans who chase numbers get lost when they forget their feelings | Series: Working between numbers and feelings, vol. 3
What is a career, woof?
Humans often use the word "career," but it seems it's not just about "promotions" or "job-hopping history."
In truth, a career is "your entire life through work."
When you think about it that way, a career has two faces, woof.
One is the "external success" visible in numbers.
The other is the "internal fulfillment" felt in the heart.
We are always living between these two, aren't we?
Numbers = External Success
Promotions, salary increases, evaluations, certifications...
These are career achievements that can be measured by "numbers," woof.
But when you chase only numbers, you sometimes run into a bit of "emptiness."
That's because the standards are on the outside, and sometimes your own feelings get left behind.
Feelings = Internal Fulfillment (Psychology Edition)
Psychology experts say, "People need three types of bait to keep working happily!" woof.
Autonomy: The feeling that you are choosing for yourself
Competence: The feeling that you have become able to do something
Relatedness: Having reliable companions
These three things cannot be measured by numbers, but they gently fill your heart.
I call these "career snacks," woof🐾
Feelings = Internal Fulfillment (Eastern Philosophy Edition)
There are also hints in ancient wisdom, woof.
Buddhism: "If you only chase desires, you will suffer."
Confucianism: "Value your connections with others more than your own profit."
Taoism: "Don't try too hard; just be yourself."
They all teach us the importance of "feelings over numbers," woof.
Your own axis = Career Anchor
A scholar named Edgar Schein used the term "career anchor."
This refers to "the values you can never let go of, no matter what."
I want to hone my expertise
I want to maintain stability
I want to work freely
I want to help others grow
Knowing your own "anchor" like this helps you hold the rudder of your feelings without being swayed by numbers, woof.
Between numbers and feelings
What supports your career is not just the external "numbers" or just the internal "feelings."
It is important to go back and forth between both and continue a journey where you can say, "This is my path," woof.
A question from me
For humans, there is the external success visible through numbers and the internal fulfillment felt through emotions.
Which one is supporting your career right now?
Can you truly say that balance is uniquely yours?
Next time preview
Next is about "Human feelings cannot be measured by numbers."
I'll think about it together with my owner, woof.
This is an introduction to the magazine "A dog working between numbers and feelings."
I'm sniffing out the hazy feelings that all you humans have, like "Why don't I feel fulfilled?" or "I have the numbers, but my heart isn't following..." from a dog's perspective, woof🐶
From career and leadership to corporate talent development and organizational issues, I'm breaking down (or chewing on?) difficult topics like MBAs and philosophy to deliver them to you gently!
The stories so far are collected in the magazine, so please take a look.
If you like it, please support me with a "like" or a follow! I'll wag my tail with all my might in joy🐶
References
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer Science & Business Media.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Publications.
Schein, E. H. (1978). Career dynamics: Matching individual and organizational needs. Addison-Wesley.
Schein, E. H. (1990). Career anchors: Discovering your real values. Pfeiffer & Company.
Schein, E. H., & Van Maanen, J. (2013). Career anchors: The changing nature of work and careers (4th ed.). Wiley.