Warning to millennials: Be careful what you wish for

Climbing the corporate ladder comes at a price—a steep one, in many cases.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

They know what they want, and they work hard to get there.

I applaud that attitude. There’s nothing wrong with having a big dream and working like hell to get it. In fact, that’s a mindset I hope to instill in my children. Dream it. Do it.

But here’s the thing, millennials: Be careful what you wish for. That corner office job comes with a hefty price tag. Ever think about exactly what that corner office job entails? What it requires of you? What it will mean for your life?

Many folks, including those outside the millennial generation, think of the many positives of an executive job: the bigger salary, the credibility and respect, the power. Rarely do people discuss and think about the drawbacks.

Let’s count them:

1. Long, unforgiving hours.

2. Relentless pressure to perform.

3. Days in back-to-back-to-back-to-back meetings (but still having work at your desk).

4. The loneliness of no longer having as many (if any) peers.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.