Letting go of the go-getting

Apparently, hoards of young professionals, particularly women, are currently doing just that.  Climbing off the ladder, having an 'ambition comedown' (Grazia), stepping off the treadmill, the hamster-wheel or other euphemism for Corporate high-flying.

Is this really that new? I imagine that the economics of the last two years have made many people re-evaluate priorities, whether or not they have now decided to down-shift their careers. I'm sure the end of the eighties saw a similar exodus, caused by the soul-searching that inevitably follows a period of empty values such as greed.

On my first 'real' trip to Canary Wharf last week, the reality of the banking crisis and credit crunch was brought home.  Standing at West India Quay, looking at the HSBC tower, and others, the symbols of wealth and austerity were so overt it was vulgar.  Particularly when less than a mile away, there are some of the poorest communities in London, which I found out while getting lost on the way to my budget hotel.

 Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking corporate life.  I actually get a huge amount of satisfaction from being able to influence a company's direction.  For many people that just doesn't float their boat, and that's ok.  This doesn't mean they are letting go of the go-getting per se, just that their motivation comes from elsewhere, for example voluntary work, freelancing, being their own boss, or a stay at home mom.  And of course, these all are fine.

We all need a handful of things that get us out of bed in the morning.  Whether or not this means thoughts of smashing the glass ceiling, or perfecting Jamie's 30-minute meal Moroccan lamb, is all down to choice.  Both of equal importance, and perfectly fine by me, of course.