I think climbing the corporate ladder kinda sucks and everyone is conditioned to believe that “Moving Up” is the only way, yet few speak out on it.
If you read about the history of the “career ladder”, you’ll discover it’s a metaphor that exploded in the 1960s, in the wake of World War II. An entire generation of office workers was told that the way to succeed was to work hard, to climb, and to (metaphorically) step on the fingers of anyone else trying to climb the same ladder. As people worked hard, they did receive their promotions, but there was a cost.
If you love a good history, this gets interesting…
In 1968, Laurence J. Peter introduced “The Peter Principle,” which popularized the idea that we are all promoted to our own level of incompetence. Translation? The ladder-climbing career hierarchy works right up until it doesn’t.
Now that you are aware of the history, allow me to take you through a familiar scenario. Ever noticed how people are always talking about “moving up in the world.” “Climbing the corporate ladder.” “I upgraded my wardrobe.”
If you think about it, it’s tiring to think of your career as an endless ladder you must always climb. And, if you’re “lucky” enough to reach the top, well, then what? What if you arrive at your goal to find it feeling a little empty? No one talks about this.
You see, I had spent a good part of my life obsessed with climbing the corporate ladder. I almost lost part of my social life over it. And for what? For the money? For the pats on the back? For the knowledge that I’d done something with my life that makes a difference? For the beautiful portfolio or resume?
You know, I never wanted to admit this, but I don’t think I did it for any of those reasons. I think I did it because I was programmed to do so.
Here are common examples of the career ladder, and how it works in a hierarchal work organization.
📌Earning a bachelor’s degree or formal education in a certain field and progressing through a career, with “upwards” movements via promotions and increased responsibilities.
📌Starting with an entry-level job in a new industry and upskilling to move to the “next rung” of your career, expertise, and job title.
📌Working your way from an entry-level position to the highest level throughout your career.
📌Following a path cut by someone else and using their guidance to get to their position.
Will I ever go back? Honestly, I don’t know. Would you?
