Growth without a compass may push you up the wrong ladder, all speed, no satisfaction

Early- and mid-career professionals often get rewarded for climbing fast, with new roles, added responsibilities, and the next shiny title. But more than a few arrive breathless at a milestone, only to find the view does not match what they hoped for. Growth without alignment can look impressive, yet leave you second-guessing or even burned out later.

That is where having a purpose-driven compass changes the journey. The most resilient, fulfilled professionals set aside time to clarify their top values such as impact, learning, flexibility, or something uniquely their own. When new opportunities arise, they do not chase every ladder. They filter decisions: Will this move get me closer to the kind of impact and life I truly want? With a living compass, you can pivot as the map shifts and use presence to notice what this moment calls for, without losing sight of your long game.

If your career keeps moving up but never feels quite "right," what values or decision filters might help you realign your path, starting now?

If this resonated, please share with your network. Let's help more professionals choose their own compass before chasing the next ladder.