A final note: If you love the hustle, keep hustling. If you love the grind, keep grinding. But if you’ re feeling exhausted, on the brink of your own burnout, or just plain over it, give yourself permission to consider that your definition of success is meant to evolve- just as you are. •
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
And changed my view of success.
While you’ re likely not wearing a tie these days like my dad did, and may not be up for turning your life upside down like I did many years ago, you might be feeling the acute effects of your own misaligned success.
You are not alone as you take a hard look at the place that work fits in your life. Many of us are wondering to ourselves, and even out loud:
• What is it I’ m striving for?
• What does achievement actually look like?
• How much more do I have to endure?
• What if“ more” could instead become“ enough?”
Perhaps you are realizing those dopamine hits from your devices now lead to feelings of guilt instead of elation. You are acknowledging that in the urgency to move on to the next thing, there will always be a next thing. And that there are painful consequences to being physically present- but emotionally a million miles away. Or perhaps, and I love this notion, your own shifting success metrics are manifesting in an entirely different way for you.
Flexibility – and freedom – have become the new measure of success for me, and to arrive here has meant doing some of my own deep work- which has included:
Minding your inputs. The influencer you follow online or the seasoned professional whose office is outside your cubicle may not be the best guide to success for you. Surrounding yourself with the ideas and personalities that allow space to explore your own curiosity- and creativity- are crucial as you form your own definition for success.
Knowing when enough is enough. Research is mixed if there is or isn’ t a dollar amount that equates to happiness- but there likely is one for you. Spend some time with your own personal finances and your future plans, and double check that your numbers still line up as you consider this next version of success for you.
Honor your commitments – but not your excuses. There will always be a reason not to do the thing that’ s on your heart or mind. And while many of the reasons we choose to stay the course are real and valid- they can also quickly become the excuse we’ re looking for to stay put. Be aggressively honest with yourself about your willingness to make the changes that might be required to redefine success in your life.
If it feels uneasy, you’ re doing it right. Anytime we change how we relate in the world there will be people who are confused- maybe even concerned or threatened- by this change in us. Many might even try to change our minds. Tune into your body and your emotional responses as you move these puzzle pieces in your life- experience tells me the trust you will build as your own best advocate is far greater than the discomfort.
A final note: If you love the hustle, keep hustling. If you love the grind, keep grinding. But if you’ re feeling exhausted, on the brink of your own burnout, or just plain over it, give yourself permission to consider that your definition of success is meant to evolve- just as you are. •
Once told“ you’ re someone I’ d like to receive bad news from,” Meg McKeen, CIC, founded Adjunct Advisors LLC in 2018 with the simple belief that we can and must do more to support the individuals who choose a career in the insurance industry.
Now in her 25th year, Meg’ s experience working in underwriting, leadership, and sales within the industry informs her work as a consultant today, in which Meg now holds space, at the crossroads of personal and professional development, for insurance professionals as they navigate their shifting relationship with work and this current hard market. Meg’ s work includes private and small group coaching, workshop facilitation, industry event speaking and planning engagements, and the podcast she hosts, Bound & Determined℠. Learn more at www. adjunctadvisors. com.
JULY / AUGUST 2025
19