Ambition and What It Means for Millennials
Ambition. It’s a word that defines an entire generation. For millennials, ambition often translates into sleepless nights and being strapped for cash—sometimes because of a few too many cold brews or dinners out. Some can relate to this, while others have their own ambition-related dilemmas.
Being an ambitious millennial can be rewarding. Your drive pushes you to accomplish most, if not all, of your goals. You’re steadfast in your purpose, clear about your mission, and you know what you want and when you want it. But with ambition comes sacrifice, and for millennials, these sacrifices can sometimes be the ever-present party pooper.
Ambitious people are often misunderstood. They’re sometimes labeled as selfish, but when you have tunnel vision and the light at the end of the tunnel feels far away, of course, you’re going to mute out the noise.
Unlike Gen X, millennials are quicker to “jump ship” if they’re dissatisfied with their job, relationship, or living situation. If a company doesn’t align with their career goals or lacks opportunities for advancement, a millennial will likely say “#deuce” and move on (YOLO).
Ambitious people also tend to be less emotionally driven when dealing with challenges, viewing situations more as transactions.
Here are some of the pros and cons of being an ambitious millennial:
The Pros
You’re Independent: Ambitious millennials are often highly independent, largely because they spend a lot of time alone pursuing their goals.
You Motivate Others: Ambitious people tend to inspire those around them. Whether it’s promoting a friend’s brand or helping someone with their life purpose, they radiate positive energy when supporting others.
You Get the Job Done: No matter how long it takes, ambitious people are committed to their end goals. They’re driven to see tasks through to completion.
You Appreciate the Small Wins: For ambitious individuals, small victories signify progress toward their ultimate goal.
The Cons
Your Dating Life May Feel Stagnant: If you’re highly ambitious, you might find dating challenging—not necessarily in landing dates but in finding a partner who understands and respects your drive.
You May Be Seen as Too Career-Driven: While being career-focused is admirable, it’s important to remember that life is about more than just work.
You Don’t Have Time for Small Talk: Ambitious people often socialize with a purpose. They value time and prefer meaningful interactions over casual chit-chat.