A Matter of Perspective.

One of the more interesting philosophies embraced by the "counter culture" of the 1960s was the alternative concept of success. In general, it stated that the normal measures of success (wealth, power, and position) were invalid. It held that success was to be measured by either the good you do, the love you create, and/or the amount of affection you have for your pursuits. Idealistic and impractical, but not an altogether unattractive way of looking at the world.
As the number of these "hippies" grew, by incorporating converts (with a converts zeal), their message changed and became self centered (MY fun, MY 'space', etc.). These highly self centered kids went back into society and became the highly self centered managers and executives we have today. The same management that now requires total dedication to their cause (their bottom line) and eliminates anyone who happens to have the same attitudes that they were attracted to as kids. The two greatest weapons they wield are their self centered arrogance and a filing cabinet full of "shoulds" that they apply to everyone but themselves.

An aside here, if you do not already know this be WARY ! "Should" is the most evil word in the English language. It is ALWAYS used in the context of one person (or a group) defining, without permission, the actions, behavior, or beliefs of another person (or group). It is, by definition (and usage) a word that IMPOSES one persons (or groups) will on others. EVIL, EVIL, EVIL !!!!

We now find ourselves in the present, with almost a whole generation of these hippies now converted to the pursuit of Power, Wealth, and Control. These folks are also old enough to have attained much of the wealth & power they pursued. They have inculcated their offspring with their methods and goals. Armed with their array of "shoulds", these folks are now in a position to impose these "shoulds" on everyone else. They have done so with surprising alacrity.

Which leads to "me". I have never really dreamed or planned for monetary success. I have never really cared. I have pursued my profession with great zeal because I LIKE it. It is FUN. My problem is that I have never subscribed to the modern version of success. I have always thought of success in the terms of the original hippies.

As a result, I have tired of 14 hour days. Months without a real break. Years without a vacation. In living my profession, I have burnt out.
Which is kind of interesting, because up until two years ago, I attacked my profession as voraciously as anyone. Worked quite a few 24 hour and even 48 hour "shifts". Not complaining, but solving problems and having FUN. I have led teams in certain projects, been the "responsible" guy, even "the answer man". But I never wanted to move up the corporate ladder. Which put me at odds with "the system". I technically have become a failure. Not a successful man.

But as I stated in the beginning, it is all a matter of perspective. The hippies avoided the capitalistic trappings of our society (their faults are the subject of another, LONG discussion, which I will avoid here). The convert hippies embraced the wealth & power road to success. They both consider themselves successful.
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As to my personal situation, I blame my "life coach". He has convinced me to make some dubious choices. I have considered firing him, but what would I do without ME.
:-) :-)