The term careerist has developed a negative image as a result of professionals choosing to pursue a career for monetary gain. At what cost?  And who is paying for it? Are we paying for this misguided method of career development today? I believe so.

Professionals, young and mature alike, are realizing that companies can no longer provide job security nor job satisfaction. It’s time to redefine careerist for the advancement of professionals everywhere.

What is a careerist?
The Oxford American dictionary says that a careerist is, “a person whose main concern is for professional advancement, esp. one willing to achieve this by any means.”

The following are a few characteristic examples of an old careerist and a new careerist. See if you can think of more along the way.

1. IN IT FOR THE MONEY
The old careerist might not posses genuine interest in their field, but instead chose their field of study or line of work for the promise of financial security.

These individuals do not believe that a career doesn’t require actual talent,  interest in the field, or the desire to help others.

Most jobs today do not offer financial security. Fewer companies provide retirement and pension plans. Additionally, high profile careers like medicine or law are becoming more financially burdensome, in the case of high education costs and liability insurances.

The new careerist chooses a career that allows flexibility to do what really matters and to capitalize on strengths and natural abilities. Sure, we may not always have jobs we love, but we’re able to create a career that serves our values and long term goals.

The new careerist is responsible for their financial responsibilities and retirement, hiring financial professionals to guide and manage their finances if not already managing their own cash flow. The old careerist strives for financial gain at any cost, while a new careerist chooses ethical ways to earn income.

2. FLAUNTING JOB TITLES
The old careerist uses job titles to demand respect and social dominance. These professionals create an invisible barrier between themselves and others and have no desire to do jobs outside of their job description.

The new careerist is not hung up on job titles and does not flaunt their position or authority. Instead, they are more concerned about what the position does for others, rather than what people do for them. Titles, to a new careerist, are a formality and do not create invisible barriers between themselves and those around them. Additionally, the new careerist isn’t afraid to do work outside of their job description.

3. CONSTANTLY CHANGING VALUES TO SUIT POLITICAL/ECONOMIC INTERESTS
Old careerists change their values to suit the political climate. If the person with the most power doesn’t like a certain politician or belief, an old careerist will eagerly switch affiliations to obtain favor for advancement. Careerists will often sell out their values to buy into success.

A new careerist knows what they believe in and are not afraid to maintain silence to avoid unnecessary confrontation or will act on behalf of himself or others to put an end to discrimination.

The new careerist builds their career on values and talent, staying true even if they eventually change. These professionals do not feel compelled to change their beliefs for temporary gain, but for what is valid to them.

4.  EXAGGERATING SUCCESS
Old careerists exaggerate or lie about their success. They’ll take molehills of success and turn them into mountains to get attention.

The new careerist chooses to be honest about their work while painting their successes in their best, yet modest light. These professionals don’t need to puff themselves up or feel the need to falsely sell themselves. They use their experiences and success as learning opportunities to share with others.

5. MANIPULATING OTHERS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE
The old careerist takes a Machiavelli approach to business by procuring and using power by unethical means. Using people as stepping stones to profit without considering the consequences of their actions is not uncommon.

The new careerist considers how their actions affect their environment and those around them. They are unafraid to ask for help because they value the knowledge and work of others. These professionals choose to serve others with their very best. When moving on to new jobs, a new careerist keeps in touch with former colleagues, expanding their professional network.

For too long, the word careerist has taken a bad rap. It’s time to redefine it’s meaning and make being a careerist a worthy title of which to be proud.