Ambition Without Burnout
This week’s guest is Faye McCray.
In a world driven by hustle culture, have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Am I chasing success or truly living it? In this episode of Career Can Do, Faye McCray, a lawyer, author, and executive leader, explores this profound question with Mary Ann Faremouth. Her insights challenge conventional ideas of success, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to live a fulfilling life.
Faye grew up believing success required relentless effort, only to realize later that the constant grind was eroding her well-being. Her pivotal realization? Overwork isn’t a badge of honor — it’s a barrier to fulfillment. Instead of wearing busyness as a status symbol, she urges people to redefine success on their own terms. Ask yourself: “Am I working toward my dreams or just staying busy?” If it’s the latter, it’s time to reassess.
Another crucial lesson Faye offers is that your job is not your identity. In a world where introductions revolve around “What do you do?”, she reminds us that our worth extends beyond job titles. By setting boundaries—like removing work apps from your phone—you create space to be fully present in non-work moments. This shift allows for a more holistic sense of self, not tied solely to professional accomplishments.
Faye is also a firm believer in the power of pause. Her “Rest and Reclaim” retreats offer people a chance to step back and reflect. But you don’t need a retreat to practice this. Simple pauses—like a walk or a device-free meal—can restore clarity and spark creativity. Breaks aren’t indulgences; they’re essential for personal growth.
When it comes to future goals, Faye advocates for intentional planning. Her advice? Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps, just as her mother did when pursuing higher education. This approach makes even the most ambitious objectives feel achievable. Flexibility is key—life happens, and sometimes timelines shift.
Finally, Faye emphasizes the timeless principle: “Know thyself.” True growth requires self-reflection. By taking moments of stillness, you can better understand your desires and realign with your purpose.
Success isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about living with intention. Take that walk. Log off from work apps. Reclaim your time. As Faye reminds us: Ambition and boundaries can coexist.
Listen to the Podcast:
“Ambition and boundaries can co-exist.”
Career Can Do is a new podcast from award-winning author, professional career coach, and training consultant Mary Ann Faremouth. Mary Ann talks to experts, employers, and job seekers about what the new work world looks like and how you can thrive in these ever-changing circumstances. Tune in every other week for straight talk about remote work, office politics, first impressions, the changing jobscape, and more.
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