Talking about personal and career development can be an exercise in introspection, which, in Arun Cavale’s case, led to this overview of the different stages of life, and the idea that regular introspection will reveal motivations are evolving.

What motivates you in your career?

(Disclaimer: I know this is probably an overly simplified linear narrative – and in reality, all this may overlap. Or you may skip stages altogether. That’s fine. This is just my point-of-view based on some introspection I was making recently)

Starting Out: Finding Your Place

When we first start working, it’s all about finding the right job in the right area, and learning the ropes as much as possible. We’re like explorers, trying to figure out where we fit best. This is when you choose what industry or profession to get into, what brand-name companies to be associated with, etc. The focus is unapologetically inward, centered also on absorbing as much knowledge as possible.

Looking for More: Money and Titles

As we progress, our career motivations often take a pragmatic turn. Our focus often shifts towards making more money and moving up the ladder. This is when many of us start switching jobs to get a better paycheck or a fancier job title. It’s a stage where we’re trying to set up our lives, maybe getting married, having kids, or buying a house. A lot of people stay in this phase for a long time.

Beyond Material Gains: The Intellectual Quest

If you get past the material allure, you start seeking challenges often intellectual. It’s not just about the money or title anymore. In my case, it was about problem-solving, something I have always enjoyed and found genuine excitement in. This passion has been a consistent thread for the most part my professional journey. And this has also determined the choices I’ve made in terms of roles I have accepted.

The Giving Back Stage: Making a Difference

But does the professional journey end with personal and intellectual fulfillment? Towards the later part of our careers, what we want changes again. Now, it’s not just about what we can get, but what we can give back.

For me, it’s about the impact and the difference I can make. Now I find myself driven by the opportunity to not only significantly influence the organization’s outcomes, but also to positively affect the people I work with, leveraging my experience and skills to mentor and inspire my colleagues, contributing to a collaborative and thriving work environment.

This evolution of motivation is not just a personal narrative. It underscores the importance of regularly introspecting on what truly drives us. As our careers unfold, aligning our professional paths with our evolving motivations ensures not just success but fulfillment.