The idea that in order to have a successful career one must dedicate themselves to climbing the corporate ladder, has long been ingrained into American culture. While at first glance, it may seem as if a career in corporate America consists of dreary days at the office, meaningless meetings, and an insurmountable workload, what many fail to realize is that securing a job with a sustainable paycheck can open the doors to innumerable opportunities outside of the corporate world.

   Perhaps the most obvious benefit of climbing the corporate ladder is the promise of financial security. According to Investopedia, “The higher up one goes on the corporate ladder the more responsibilities they have but also better pay and better benefits.” (investopedia.com). While it’s true that money isn’t the only thing that matters, it plays a crucial role in one’s standard of living. Attaining a job with an income high enough not only to provide for oneself, but one’s family, relieves the stress that comes with paying bills, purchasing groceries, and buying insurance.

   A common misconception surrounding high-ranking corporate jobs is that one has little control over the environment in which they work. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true, as those who occupy managerial positions within corporations often have a greater say in what hours they work, who they work with, and the policies to which they must adhere. According to Indeed, “Many managers enjoy influencing the way their organization runs and operates, such as through shaping and improving the company culture” (indeed.com). It’s true that with managerial positions come a lot of responsibility; however, these roles also come with the power to implement positive changes into one’s work environment.

   The most widespread argument against climbing the corporate ladder is that it limits, if not entirely eliminates, the time one has for pursuing their passions. According to the Harvard Business Review, “Finding a job aligned with your passion right out of school may require sacrifices of time and economic stability. Searching for jobs that don’t just fit your credentials and skills but feed your soul may take months or even years” (hbr.org). Now this isn’t to say that one should disregard their unique hobbies and interests for a soul-sucking, socially acceptable career, but by having a steady source of income, one may be able to both funnel more money into pursuing their passions while simultaneously being relieved of any financial burden.

   In the end, the decision to climb the corporate ladder or pursue a more non-traditional career is entirely up to the individual; however, it’s important to consider the reality and impact of what each respective life-path could mean for one’s future.