A note on life and career success via the existentialism lens: for MBA students

A note on life and career success via the existentialism lens: for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "What are life success and career success with reference to existentialism?"

The reply: "Life success and career success in reference to existentialism can be understood through the lens of core existentialist concepts such as freedom, responsibility, authenticity, and the creation of personal meaning.

1. Life Success in Existentialism:
   Existentialism posits that life has no inherent or predetermined meaning. Instead, meaning is something each individual must create for themselves through their choices, actions, and attitudes. Life success, therefore, is not measured by external standards but by living authentically—making decisions and living in ways that align with one’s true self and values rather than conforming to societal expectations. It involves embracing freedom and the responsibility that comes with it, acknowledging the absurdity and unpredictability of life, and continually choosing to find or create meaning despite this. Authentic life success is about self-discovery, self-definition, and courageously facing existential angst to live a fulfilling and meaningful life on one’s own terms.

2. Career Success in Existentialism:
   Career success from an existential perspective moves beyond conventional metrics like status, salary, or advancement. It is centered on finding personal meaning and purpose in one's work. Career success is about engaging in work that reflects one’s authentic self, values, and passions. It requires taking responsibility for one's career choices and recognizing the freedom to shape one's professional identity despite external pressures. Existentialism encourages individuals to view career success as an ongoing process of self-definition and purposeful engagement rather than a fixed goal. The focus is on doing something meaningful—dedicating oneself to mastering skills, contributing value, and caring about what one leaves behind—rather than merely being somebody or achieving societal benchmarks.

In sum, existentialism reframes both life success and career success as deeply personal, self-created states grounded in authenticity, freedom, and responsibility. Success is about living and working in ways that are true to oneself and meaningful, rather than adhering to pre-established or socially imposed measures of achievement. This philosophy invites ongoing reflection and personal choice as central to what it means to be truly successful in life and career."

My question 2: "Please discuss, the topic here (notably on life and career success, based on existentialism) a bit more with regard to a healthy business management professional in his 60s, still interested in playing in some managerial roles in the Hong Kong economy."

The reply: "For a healthy business management professional in his 60s, still interested in playing managerial roles within the Hong Kong economy, understanding life and career success from an existentialist perspective offers a meaningful framework for ongoing engagement and fulfillment.

Existentialism emphasizes that success is not defined by external metrics or societal expectations, but through authenticity, freedom, responsibility, and self-created meaning. For this professional, life success involves living authentically in alignment with his values and genuine interests rather than conforming to imposed career benchmarks or traditional retirement norms. Embracing this might mean reinterpreting success as ongoing growth, contribution, and self-expression in later life, rather than reaching fixed endpoints like status or title.

In terms of career success, existentialism encourages finding purpose and meaning in managerial roles that resonate personally, beyond salary or prestige. At this stage in life, it may involve choosing roles that enable mentoring younger professionals, leveraging accumulated wisdom, or contributing to meaningful projects that reflect core values. This perspective shifts the focus from competing or climbing further to purposeful engagement, mastery, and leaving a valued legacy in the Hong Kong business context.

Practically, Hong Kong’s evolving economy and social environment supports mature professionals continuing work with flexibility and respect for their wealth of experience. Programs encouraging the employment of seniors demonstrate that mature workers are valued for their problem-solving skills and dedication when workplaces provide appropriate job designs and accommodate physical and personal needs. Flexible arrangements can support work-life balance and physical health, enabling sustainable careers into later decades. Being engaged in a role that fits well with one’s current capacities and interests aligns well with existential authenticity and contributes to healthy aging.

Furthermore, existentialism addresses challenges such as existential career crises, inviting honest reflection on whether current roles align with one’s authentic self and values. This process may lead to renewal, scaling back, or reimagining one’s professional identity in ways that still contribute meaningfully to the local economy and community.

To summarize, a healthy business management professional in his 60s finding existential meaning in life and career success within Hong Kong’s economy is likely to:

• Define success by authentic engagement and personal meaning rather than external status.

• Value roles that leverage experience, mentorship, and contributions that align with deeply held values.

• Seek flexible and supportive work environments that accommodate health and life balance.

• Embrace ongoing self-reflection to ensure work remains a source of purpose rather than obligation.

This existential approach can empower mature professionals to continue thriving and contributing with integrity and fulfillment in their later career stages, navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in Hong Kong’s dynamic economy."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.