Fuck your prestige!
Sounds harsh? Let's see if you still think so by the end of this article. Often times I'm discussing the trials and tribulations of curating a successful career with people that have not recognized how they have built their own prison. They are not happy in the career they have curated, yet they are also unwilling to do anything about it. I was once that person and completely understand how difficult it is to see that you are complaining about work circumstances that can be easily changed. You have the power to make different choices and you can activate that power of choice whenever it best serves you. That can be every year, next month, five years from now and so on. The attachment is typically to the prestige of the work. Whether it's the job title, the company, or the perception and even admiration others may have for your current career circumstances, none of it matters if it does not bring you joy.
Our society places a substantial emphasis on prestige. Think of college and certain schools come to mind. Think of successful companies and you are bound to name many of the same companies as everyone else. It's because prestige is what we deem as the best representation of success and that is not always the case. The idea of prestige is the soundtrack of the script (the idea that there is one way to live a successful life). The soundtrack is loud enough that even when you are certain you have escaped it, you are still living your life based on society's terms. Prestige that does not align with your vision for your life does not serve you and will ultimately lead you down a sad road paved with the trappings of success. Everything will look great from the outside, but you're left empty on the inside.
Chasing or clinging to prestige for the sake of the look will haunt you (and your bank account) in the long run. Often the same people that appear to be successful and yet are complaining about their work life, have decided that it's better to be miserable and have the appearance of success than it is to be happy and appear mediocre. The reality of both circumstances have more in common than those riding the wave of prestige care to know. However, if you have decided that the prestige of the company you work for is more important than what that company offers you by way of compensation, professional development, or promotion opportunities then you have to embrace your decision. No one is forcing you to be there. You have chosen being associated with that company over your own dreams and aspirations. It would be no surprise to realize that your choice may be rooted in a lack of confidence in your ability to choose a company that will support your dreams and vision for your life. Much of that hesitation to let go in order to try something new is rooted in fear.
If you are happy and not achieving your full financial potential that may be perfectly fine. Money is certainly not everything and it is not a motivator for the majority of people. However, I would nudge you to say that if you have worked at the same prestigious company for over 5 years, there's a very high likelihood that you are underpaid compared to the market value of your role. It's unfortunate, but many of the most prestigious companies have taken advantage of the fact that their employees are willing to stay, not because they are happy and thriving, but because they are associated with a brand that affords them the perception of success. For many that is more than enough.
It's a matter of taking the time to curate the career that works for you, not one that is admired by others. If your career choices are not serving you, utilize the time it takes to complain about your circumstances to make a change. That change may start with asking for something different from your company, like a compensation increase or more work flexibility. Worst case your request will be denied, but at least then you are clear on what is within reach at your company and can make an informed decision to move on or deal with it. What will not serve you well is continuing to complain about the circumstances without making any effort to change it. If you are reading this and realizing that you have been blinded by prestige, consider this a wake up call.
Decide to no longer shrink in any space to fit in, but instead show up as your full self. Have the confidence to pursue what you really want in this singular life you get to live. Honor your own prestige instead of pursuing the security of the prestige of a company or institution. Success by association is rare and almost always not as satisfying as stepping into your purpose and allowing your own light to shine.
Fuck your prestige, I'm busy curating my own.
*Written in the sunroom on a quintessential autumn day in Maryland.