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Unpopular opinion: Chasing promotions is a waste of time in your 40s
I spent 15 years at a tech company in Austin grinding for that next title and 10% raise. Last year I turned down a senior manager role because it meant 60 hour weeks and more politics. Now I make $82,000 as an individual contributor and I leave at 4 PM every day to pick up my kids. Has anyone else found that stepping off the ladder actually made them happier?
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xena_miller311mo ago
Oh please, it's not that deep...
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the_lisa1mo ago
Nathan, I read a study recently that said people over 40 who turned down promotions reported higher life satisfaction than those who kept climbing. It stuck with me because I think it's true. You nailed it about the trap. I watched my own dad drop dead at 59 after a lifetime of chasing titles, and I realized I didn't want that for myself. Money and status don't buy back time with your kids or the peace of mind of leaving work at 4 PM. The fake part is believing the next title will finally make you feel complete.
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nathan_webb1mo ago
Man, @xena_miller31 I feel like you're missing the point here. This whole "grind till you drop" thing is just a trap they set when you're young and it takes hitting 40 to realize it's all fake. Once you start valuing your time over your title, everything else gets way clearer.
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