Fast & Curious: The Race to Career Success and Why You Might Want to Hit the Brakes.

In an era where the latest iPhone becomes obsolete within a year, Amazon Prime packages arrive before you've even forgotten you ordered them, and 1GB internet is the new normal, speed is king. But what happens when this culture of immediacy infiltrates our career aspirations? As a career advisor with global experience, I've seen how this rush can lead to career missteps.

This culture of speed has a darker side, especially for the younger generation. The constant bombardment of success stories and the pressure to achieve quickly has led to unprecedented stress among young people. They feel like they're racing against time, trying to cram achievements into a timeline set by societal expectations. This stress often manifests as burnout, anxiety, and even a sense of failure if they haven't "made it" by a certain age.

Headlines often mention teen entrepreneurs making millions or young artists landing record deals. While these stories are captivating, they paint an incomplete picture. For instance, consider Elizabeth Holmes, who was once celebrated as the youngest self-made female billionaire. Her rapid ascent was followed by an equally rapid downfall when her company, Theranos, was exposed to fraudulent practices. Stories like hers are cautionary tales that quick success can be fleeting and fraught with risks.

Emily and Jack were both architecture students I had the privilege of advising. On the surface, they seemed quite similar—both were incredibly talented, highly motivated, and had bright futures ahead of them. But the way they approached their careers couldn't have been more different.

Emily was a whirlwind of activity. She was the epitome of a go-getter, always on the move. From the moment she stepped onto campus, she had her eyes set on the prize—a high-paying job at a prestigious architecture firm. To achieve this, she took on multiple internships, some even simultaneously. Her course schedule was packed, often exceeding the recommended number of credits per semester. She was a regular at networking events, her phone filled with contacts that would make even seasoned professionals envious. Emily believed in speed; she wanted to climb the career ladder quickly and was willing to do whatever it took to get there.

Jack, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. He was calm, composed, and incredibly focused. Instead of rushing into multiple internships, he chose them carefully, picking opportunities aligned with his long-term career goals. He took fewer courses each semester, allowing him the time to delve deep into each subject. Jack also networked, but selectively. He believed in building meaningful relationships rather than collecting contacts. For Jack, the journey was just as important as the destination. He was in no rush; he wanted to build a solid foundation supporting a long, fulfilling career.

Fast forward a few years, and the outcomes were as different as their approaches. Emily did land a high-paying job right after graduation, just as she had planned. But the victory was short-lived. She quickly realized she had climbed a ladder leaning against the wrong wall. She was burnt out, stressed, and deeply unsatisfied. Her focus on speed had cost her the time to explore, to make mistakes, and to discover what she truly wanted.

Jack took longer to secure his first job, but when he did, it was a perfect fit. He was well-prepared for the challenges and deeply satisfied with his work. His slower, more thoughtful approach had given him the time to develop the skills and relationships that made for a fulfilling career.

Sarah's story resonates with many. She struggled academically during her early years in college, often feeling overshadowed by her more accomplished peers. But instead of seeking quick fixes, Sarah took a semester off to reevaluate her goals. She traveled, volunteered, and took courses outside her major. This period of self-discovery helped her identify her true passions and weaknesses. When she returned, she was a changed person—more focused, more confident. By her senior year, she had improved her grades and secured an internship that set her on a fulfilling career path.

You may have heard of Malcolm Gladwell's "10,000-Hour Rule," which suggests that expertise in any field requires significant time and effort. While the exact number of hours is debatable, the core principle remains: true expertise demands dedication and patience.

In a world that prizes speed, it's easy to forget that career development is more like an endurance test than a sprint. Shortcuts may offer immediate gratification, but they often come at the expense of long-term success and personal growth. The next time you find yourself rushing toward your career goals, remember that enjoying the journey can offer invaluable experiences and lessons.