In a world where job titles and industry standards often dictate the trajectory of our careers, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We’re often caught up in the race for prestige, chasing after titles that sound impressive on LinkedIn or in conversations at social gatherings. But how often do we stop to ask ourselves: Am I chasing a title, or am I pursuing my true passion?
As someone who came from nothing, I was eager to make something of myself. Today having countless conversations with aspiring cybersecurity or tech transitioner seeking to break into the field. They come armed with questions about how to make the transition into the different domains, what skills do they need to learn for a specific role etc…
But whenever these questions come up, I can’t help but think of a more important question that often goes unasked: Why do you want to do this?
The Allure of Titles
Titles can be intoxicating. They come with a sense of validation, a badge that tells the world you’ve “made it.” But titles are often just that—badges. They can be superficial, masking a deeper discontentment with the work itself. In our quest for titles, we may overlook the fundamental reasons why we chose our career path in the first place.
The reality is, titles can only take you so far. They might open doors or earn you respect, but they won’t bring you lasting satisfaction if the work behind the title doesn’t resonate with you. It’s not the title that defines your career; it’s the passion, creativity, and authenticity you bring to your work that truly matters.
Why Passion Matters More
When I think about the most fulfilling moments in my career today, they rarely have anything to do with the title i hold. Instead, they revolve around the projects that sparked my creativity, the challenges that pushed me to grow, and the moments when I could express myself authentically through my work. These are the experiences that have shaped my professional journey.
Passion is what fuels these moments. It’s what keeps you engaged, motivated, and resilient in the face of setbacks. When you’re passionate about your work, it becomes more than just a job; it becomes a form of self-expression, a way to leave your mark on the world.
But here’s the thing: your passion may not fit neatly into societal expectations or traditional career paths. It might not come with a fancy title or a clear trajectory. And that’s okay. True fulfillment doesn’t come from conforming to industry standards; it comes from the relentless pursuit of what genuinely brings you joy and satisfaction.
The Danger of Following a Script
Too often, we follow a script written by someone else—a script that tells us what success looks like, how we should progress in our careers, and what milestones we should strive for by a certain age. But this script can be misleading. It can lead us down a path that isn’t truly ours, leaving us feeling unfulfilled despite achieving the “right” titles or hitting the “right” goals, we still feel incomplete.
I’ve seen this play out time and time again and this isn’t just tied to titles, but life ambitions, chasing the goal post believing once we attain them we will funny gain the success and happiness were looking for. But to my surprise, the reality for some is, yes you will feel happy but then often find themselves asking, “Is this it?”
Crafting Your Own Path
So, before you ask how to become A <TITLE>—ask yourself what truly moves you. What are you passionate about? If your answer aligns with being creative, making an impact, excelling in your craft, and authentically expressing yourself, then by all means, pursue that with everything you’ve got. But remember, the title is just a title. It’s the work you do and the impact it has that truly defines your career.
Your path should be uniquely yours, not a carbon copy of someone else’s success story. Don’t follow a script that doesn’t resonate with who you are. Instead, write your own narrative based on what drives you at your core. This is how you will find not just success, but genuine happiness in your professional life.
Life Is Too Short for immediate gratification
At the end of the day, life is too short to spend it chasing after things that don’t truly matter to you. If you find yourself or considering a role that doesn’t align with your passions, ask yourself, what’s driving you forward? Is it the allure of a title, is it the money or is it something Genuine —your passion for the craft, your desire to create, your need to make a meaningful impact?
Be honest with yourself about what you’re truly chasing. It’s only by pursuing your actual passions that you’ll find a career—and a life—that brings you the joy and the satisfaction you deserve.
So, next time you’re considering your career goals, remember this: titles are fleeting, but passion is enduring.
