Where Do You Stop on the Way Up the Corporate Ladder?

Which rung of the corporate ladder are you on? Which one are you aiming for? Did you have to work hard to get where you are today? How much harder are you willing to work to keep moving up?

In my early years as a software developer I used to look at the big cheeses in the company and think, “Someday I’ll be sitting in that chair”.

Now, 7 years later, I find myself looking at their furrowed brows and sagging shoulders in these same meetings and ask myself, “Is that really where I want to be?”. I’m closer to their chair but the closer I get, the more I wonder if I want it.

As a results-driven person, I struggle with this question. I want to excel and progress. I want the promotions and authority. I’ve definitely been moving up but at what point is the price too high?

Each rung on the corporate ladder:

• Takes Longer to reach
• Requires more Effort
• Demands more Sacrifice
• Eats up more Time
• Inflicts More Stress

Is this what I want? Of course, as compensation for all these things, your salary increases as well. Is it worth it? The list of negatives seems longer, but as they say, “money talks”

Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer today. I imagine for each person it’s different. As I grow and learn, I’m realizing there’s a definite need for a balance between earning money and enjoying life. How do you find this balance? Where will you stop on your way up the corporate ladder?

Ben Edwards, the founder of Money Smart Life, saved up enough to buy a Nintendo back when he was 12 years old. When he used the money to buy shares of Wal-Mart stock instead, he knew he wasn't like the other kids... His addiction to personal finance has paid off for his family and now he's helping you to afford the life that you want. Check him out on the web at Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook.

All posts by Ben Edwards