Why I Stopped Chasing Job Titles & Found Career Fulfillment

I did everything “right.” I climbed, I hustled, I earned the title… and yet, I still felt empty.

I've been in corporate HR for over 13 years now. That means I can confidently navigate everything from talent strategy to salary negotiations. However, I wasn’t always the bold, empowered advocate I am today.

In my earlier years, I fell into the same trap that so many ambitious women do: the relentless pursuit of the next title, the next salary bump, the next milestone. I thought if I just kept climbing, I’d eventually feel satisfied. 

Spoiler alert: that never happened.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I’m proud to say that I’ve learned from them. More importantly, I’ve learned how to redefine success on my own terms. 

So, do you think my corporate wake-up call might help you avoid the same missteps?

Let’s dive into the the time I realized climbing the corporate ladder wasn't for me—and how I finally stepped off the treadmill with confidence. 

Grab your notebook, settle in, and let’s talk about why the climb isn’t always the answer.

A Title I Thought Would Change Everything

Let me set the scene: It’s a few years ago, and I’ve just landed what I thought was my dream role—a DEI Program Manager at a pharmaceutical manufacturing company—a major step up in title and salary. This was supposed to be it, the moment I had been working toward for years.

I wasn’t ready for the realization that followed: The title didn’t make me feel more fulfilled. It didn’t bring the happiness I thought it would.

Instead, I felt more pressure, more stress, and more disconnected from what actually lit me up inside. I was already looking for the next best thing.

Because this was one of my biggest career milestones at the time, I had a lot to prove. But deep down, I wasn’t proving anything to myself.

Little did I know that I would be getting laid off in March 2024. Then I went from feeling unfulfilled in my “dream” role to feeling like I lost my status in society. 

Spoiler alert: That was the moment I realized climbing the corporate ladder for the sake of climbing wasn’t the answer.

3 Reasons I Failed at Finding Happiness in Corporate Climbing

When you look at my experience, you might think the reason I felt unfulfilled was due to external factors—maybe the company culture, my workload, or my boss. But in reality, there were three key reasons why the corporate treadmill wasn’t serving me.

1. I Was Measuring Success by Someone Else’s Standards

Growing up, I was taught that success meant earning 6 figures and a respectable title. So naturally, I chased that vision. The problem? I realized, after becoming a mother, that it wasn’t my vision.

I never paused to ask: What do I actually want? What are my non-negotiables when it comes to my career? How do I define success in my career right now? What do I want to model for my children in terms of work-life balance?

The Solution: Instead of blindly chasing the next promotion, I started defining success for myself—based on what I valued, not what society expected. That shift changed everything.

Unfortunately (for my company), that meant setting boundaries at work. No more working past 5:00pm. No more looking at work emails on my phone. Communicating my availability transparently—without guilt. 

If you’re feeling stuck on the corporate treadmill, ask yourself: Am I climbing for me, or for someone else’s approval, validation, or love?

2. I Confused Busy-ness with Progress

Corporate culture loves a good hustle story. I used to think that if I just worked harder and longer than everyone else, I’d eventually “make it.” I was the first person in the office and the last one out.

But here’s the truth: Being busy isn’t the same as making progress toward a fulfilling career. Earlier in my career I got passed up on promotions for people that were more connected that I was. They didn't work as much as I did, but they prioritized building relationships with decision-makers.

The Solution: I learned to work smarter, not harder. That meant prioritizing impact over effort, setting boundaries, and focusing on the things that actually moved me forward—personally and professionally. I spend more time building relationships with people nowadays.

If you’re overworking yourself in the hopes of getting ahead, it might be time to rethink your strategy.

3. I Didn’t Heal My Childhood Wounds

For years, I was chasing success to seek love, validation, and approval. Every milestone I hit, I thought, This will finally prove I’m enough. But no title, salary bump, or LinkedIn announcement could fill that void.

Growing up, I only heard from my mother when I was being reprimanded for something I’d done wrong. Praise for doing something right was rare. So, I sought achievement, constantly striving for perfection, thinking that if I could just get it all right, I would finally hear the words, Great job. But that moment never came.

Looking back, my drive wasn’t always rooted in ambition—it was rooted in an unmet need from my past. And until I addressed that, no amount of success could ever feel like enough.

The Solution: Changing my mindset and doing the inner work was the thing that led to true success—one that wasn’t tied to external validation. When I finally stopped letting my past dictate my career decisions, everything shifted. I started choosing roles that aligned with my strengths and values, rather than chasing titles for approval. That’s when my career (and my confidence) took off.

If your career achievements never feel like enough, it might be time to look inward.

Stepping Off the Corporate Ladder With Confidence

I wish I could say that after this realization, I never struggled with recognizing my worth again. But that would be a lie—because breaking free from old conditioning takes time.

However, once I stopped chasing empty milestones and started prioritizing work that aligned with my values, I never felt stuck again.

That’s why I now help ambitious women redefine success on their terms—whether that means negotiating the salary they deserve, pivoting to a more fulfilling role, or even stepping away from corporate altogether.

At Alchevate Coaching, we believe in building careers and businesses that align with you—not just what looks good on paper. Because real success isn’t about titles. It’s about fulfillment.

Clients have said:

“I got a promotion recently with a good hike... I have a few other interviews lined up.”

“Sasha's expertise in the realm of female empowerment has helped to propel me forward in my journey”

Over on Linkedin, my connections has been sharing their biggest corporate wake-up calls. Connect with me, I’d love to hear yours!

Want to step off the corporate treadmill and into a career that truly lights you up? Let’s chat.