The spelling of the word "careerism" is relatively straightforward, with a few notable exceptions. The first syllable is pronounced /kə/ as in "kettle," and the second syllable is pronounced /rɪər/ as in "rear." The final syllable is pronounced /ɪzəm/, with a short "i" sound as in "sit" and a soft "z" sound as in "zebra." Despite its apparent complexity, the word is relatively easy to pronounce once the individual sounds are broken down and understood.
Careerism refers to the tendency or practice of placing one's own professional goals, advancement, or success above all else, often at the expense of other considerations such as personal values, ethics, and well-being. It is a mindset characterized by an excessive focus on career progression and acquiring power, influence, and recognition within a particular field or organization.
Individuals who exhibit careerism prioritize their own professional ambitions as their primary motivation, often exhibiting tactics such as networking, seeking out high-profile projects or positions, and engaging in self-promotion in order to gain a competitive edge and advance their career trajectory. This often involves a single-minded pursuit of success, possibly at the cost of work-life balance, personal relationships, or other important aspects of life.
Careerism can be seen in various professional environments, including corporate settings, politics, academia, and even creative industries. It can be driven by factors such as the desire for financial rewards, social status, prestige, or a fear of falling behind colleagues or competitors.
While ambition and dedication to one's career can be positive qualities, careerism can sometimes result in unethical behavior, such as stepping on others to get ahead, disregarding the needs or well-being of colleagues and subordinates, or compromising ethical principles in order to achieve personal goals. Nevertheless, it is crucial to distinguish between healthy ambition and careerism, as the former promotes self-improvement, excellence, and growth, while the latter may disregard important moral considerations in the pursuit of success.
The term "careerism" originated from the combination of two words: "career" and the suffix "-ism".
The word "career" has its roots in the Middle French word "carriere", which meant a "road" or "racecourse". It further developed in the 16th century to refer to an individual's professional or occupational progression.
The suffix "-ism" comes from the Greek "-ismos" or "-isma", which indicated a state, condition, or doctrine.
Combining these elements, the word "careerism" emerged in the early 20th century to describe the pursuit of one's career or professional advancement with excessive ambition or disregard for other aspects of life. It generally refers to a focus on progression within a specific field, often at the expense of personal fulfillment or well-being.