Redefining Success: How Young Professionals Are Creating Careers That Matter

The future of work is being shaped by a generation that dares to ask deeper questions:

• What am I working for?
• Who does this benefit?
• Is this worth my time and energy?

As the founder of Work That’s Worth It, I’ve had the privilege of coaching and speaking with ambitious young adults who have seen through success defined solely by job titles, prestigious employers, or impressive salaries. They want something more:

Meaning. Alignment. Autonomy.

I believe they’re on to something. My mission is to help graduates leverage their natural gifts and find success in a career that’s good for them and good for the world.

I recently sat down with Eden Gold from Authority Magazine to talk about this generational shift and how we can build careers rooted in purpose and power. You can read the full interview here: 👉 Future Leaders: Georgi Enthoven of Work That’s Worth It

Here are four takeaways I shared in the piece—and a few reflections I’d love to expand on.

1. Success Isn’t What It Used to Be

More young professionals today are questioning outdated career ideals and refusing to settle for toxic hustle culture. They’re rewriting the definition of success in a way that’s inclusive of joy, time, integrity, and good compensation, of course!One of my coaching clients, for example, was offered a promotion that came with extra responsibility but only a slight pay bump. Instead of saying yes out of fear or obligation, she negotiated something better: a four-day workweek at the same salary, allowing her to launch a creative project on the side. This, to me, is exactly what success looks like—making bold choices that align with your personal mission, not just your résumé.

2. From Telling to Asking: The Power of Empowerment

When I became a certified coach in 2021, I was forced to confront my own ideas about leadership. I used to think leaders had to be decisive, directional, and always “in the know.” What I’ve learned since is that powerful leadership comes from listening, asking questions, and trusting people to find answers.That mindset shift changed my life. Through tools like nonviolent communication and values-led coaching, I’ve helped people tap into their intrinsic motivation—what drives them from the inside out.

3. Your Mission Is the Anchor

A strong career strategy is helpful. But a clear mission? That’s foundational.In both my book Work That’s Worth It and the coaching frameworks I use, I help people discover what I call their “north star”—the personal mission that gives meaning to their career choices. Strategies might shift (job changes, industries, paths), but if your mission is clear, whether it’s “supporting marginalized voices in media” or “making mental health support more accessible”, then you’ll stay grounded no matter where you go.Think of it this way: strategy is the route; your mission is the destination.

4. Building the Career You Deserve

We spend roughly 90,000 hours of our lives working. That’s too much time to spend chasing someone else’s version of success. In my book, I introduce tools like the Good Work Spiral and The 7 Cs—a framework that helps professionals design careers that are fulfilling, financially viable, and socially impactful.Whether I’m coaching one-on-one, running workshops, or recording new episodes for my podcast, my goal is simple: help more people find work that feels right for them.

If you’re a young professional reading this and feeling torn between what you should do and what you want to do, here’s what I’ll tell you: Trust that your values are valid. The future of work will be built by those brave enough to choose meaning over mimicry.

Thanks again to Authority Magazine for the conversation. You can read the full interview here.

Your work should feel meaningful, too.
Work That’s Worth It shows you how…

Purchase the book today and discover practical steps to align your career development with purpose. Then, keep the inspiration going by listening to our podcast, where we chat with people doing incredible things. Start your journey today!

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

Best,

Georgi