The Corporate Ladder True Cost

June 27, 2012

   Is climbing the corporate ladder worth it?

   Most times in order to get to the top, you need to step on and climb over your coworkers. That can cause relationship strains as well as breaks. So, is the risk of losing friends worth the higher rungs of the ladder? Is it really worth it??

   I heard it put once that the closer you get to the top, the more snakes there are and the further you will fall. Are there other ways to make it to the top without hurting anyone? I think an honest hard working person can eventually make it to the top. It may not happen as quickly as some would like, but I do believe that it is possible. And that person can take pride and joy in his/her new position without worrying about those who he/she may have hurt along the way. You won’t have to always be worrying about who is out to get you because you did everything on the up and up.

   Be aware though that climbing the ladder can become an obsession, which can then lead to sacrificing time with your family and even put a strain on your marriage. Climbing the corporate ladder does not have to mean obtaining an executive position, it could just be career advancement, or a better job. For many though, jumping off the corporate ladder can be a healthy and positive personal decision, but it can also bring an unfortunate financial burden. So you need to decide what is right for you. Is money more important than quality time with friends and family? Or could you cut back on a few things financially to be able to get off that corporate ladder?

Have you ever successfully made it to the top of the corporate ladder?

Is climbing the corporate ladder more important than quality family time?

Would you be willing to sacrifice some financially in order to get off the corporate ladder?