Careers are Like Marriages

Like marriages, careers are frequently launched with great fanfare, enthusiasm, and high hopes. Sometimes this is justified, as shown by the long-term success and continuing benefits to all concerned.

But as we all know, this is far from a universal result.

You might know a married couple that get along great, one where the partners have a love and respect for each other that doesn’t seem to fade as time goes by. If you’re really fortunate you have a relationship like this yourself, or you’re in a family like this.

For every couple that does this well, though, there are many more that don’t.

Counselors and psychologists and others who deal with couples generally advise that realistic planning and a fair amount of maturity on the part of those considering a serious relationship will substantially increase chances of success. This is not to be gloomy or pessimistic about love and romance – far from it. It’s a realistic evaluation of a complex situation.

I suggest the same kind of thinking can improve the likelihood of having a successful and satisfying career – in good times or bad.