Training session and career goals

As part of a two-day training programme that I had attended, every participant was asked to describe his or her career goal for next 10 years and the tactics or sub goals they had. About 80% of the participants wanted to quit the current job and run their own company. Another 10 to 15% wanted to move up the ladder and be the CEO of an IT firm. I and another participant where the only two people who wanted to do something different. While he wanted to do organic farming, I did not really have a career goal. I wanted to just continue doing the good work and have the flexibility to work wherever I want.

All those who had wanted to run their own company in 10 years, where firm on one thing. They wanted to be financially secure before venturing out on their own. They wanted to earn during the next few years and set aside monetary funds that would take care of their family's needs. Only after that is done, do they want to start their own business. It was interesting to hear what business each one wanted to start. They were in the current role or position only because they felt this was the best means to earn.

That got me thinking. What does this mean? Commitments and responsibilities in life was holding many people back from pursuing what they want to do. It also meant that no one was really passionate or happy about what work they were doing.

I remember reading a forward some time back about the life of people working in IT firms. The first few years of one's career, the individual wants to learn a lot of technologies, gather more experience. After that the majority of the people want to quit jobs and start their own firms. Not many do it, but most of them dream of doing it. During the last few years of one's career, the individual only wants job security. That is all matters at the end of the day!!

The career goal that the next group of participants had - to be a CEO or CIO was another favorite career aspiration. Everyone has aspirations to grow in their career and play leadership roles. There is nothing wrong in this. It is a natural transition which would happen.

What surprised me was why does everyone aspire to grow in their career. It could sound foolish. Everyone wants more money, more power, move up the ladder. Why are we not content in doing a good job at the same level.
I know that being in this industry, the moment one says that he or she does not have big career aspirations; people would look down upon that person. They would think that the said person is not fit for that organization or firm.

Why are we always measuring success with what position we hold in the organization? Why is that leading a beautiful and happy life not a successful life? 

I wonder if Iam the only one who thinks this way.