I’m very lucky – I quit the corporate game (working 15+ years in Europe for corporate America, in tech) and now I just have a part time job. I work 20 hours a week and earn just enough to cover my bills. The work isn’t hard or exciting but I don’t care, I went into it wanting to just do the job well and leave it behind when I finish each day.
We have career reviews every year and I’m appreciative to be included, but it’s almost as if the management can’t accept that I want to do a good job but no more. I don’t want to progress, I don’t want to look for that next role, I don’t want to mentor or manage others, I’m in my mid 40s, I just want to do this job or something similar til I retire. I pride myself in doing my job well, I don’t cut corners, I don’t slack off. But I don’t want to give any more than is due. I’m not building a career – I’ve done that. I just want to do this job and go home at the end of the day. I like having my free time to do what I want to do.
Just a rant really… why is it so frowned upon?
ETA – I have taken care of my retirement, I have stock & pensions, house is owned outright so I’m not worrying about the future. I also live within my means so my outgoings are low.