Quiet Ambition: Redefining Career Success

In a modern workplace where change is constant, what “career success” means to people is shifting, and that’s a good thing! We’re seeing a growing movement towards what might be called quiet ambition: meaningful progress, not always the flashy promotion, with success defined in broader terms.

What is quiet ambition?

Quiet ambition doesn’t mean lack of drive. Far from it. It’s about:

• striving for steady growth rather than fast upward jumps;

• aligning your career with values, purpose and wellbeing, not just titles and salary;

• recognising that your career journey might be sideways or even “level-down” rather than always up.

Recent data suggest younger generations especially are shifting away from the old playbook of “climb the ladder at all costs”. For example: a 2023 survey found 46 % of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials now prioritise mental health and work-life balance over rapid career progression.

In Australia, nearly half (49%) of adults say they have considered “levelling down” in their careers, moving into a role with fewer responsibilities so they can prioritise wellbeing, flexibility and life outside work.

So quiet ambition means redefining success on your terms.

Why is the concept gaining traction?

Several forces are shaping this trend:

• Workplace culture and burnout: Employees are more aware of mental health, boundary setting and sustainable work. In Australia and New Zealand only 23% of workers say they are “thriving”, and the disengagement score (‘quiet quitting’) sits at about 67%.

• Purpose over prestige: People want work that matters. Data from Australia show women are increasingly seeking roles with flexibility, values alignment and upskilling more than simply climbing.

• Changing employment contracts: The idea of one employer for life is gone. Work is now seen in terms of personal growth, adaptability and meaning rather than strict hierarchy.

• Global shifts: Organisations recognise that retention and engagement depend less on title and more on whether people feel valued, aligned and balanced. A recent global study found 41% of respondents say flexible work arrangements are key to how they define ambitious roles.

What does career success look like, when you redefine it?

If we move beyond the “next promotion” model, career success could mean:

• doing work that aligns with your values (helping others, sustainability, creativity)

• having the time and space for life outside work (family, friends, hobbies, health)

• building skills and expertise you enjoy, not simply a title

• staying resilient and adaptable in a shifting job market

• feeling stable, capable, and connected rather than always stressed or chasing

In short: career success becomes holistic.

For workplaces: how to support quiet ambition

As HR professionals or team leaders, you can help shift norms in your organisation so employees can define success more flexibly. Here are some practical ideas:

1. Offer flexibility — Remote work, flexible hours, part-time roles or job-sharing help people customise their career journeys.

2. Value lateral movement — Recognise that growth can be sideways; expertise, mastery and autonomy are valid goals, not just promotions.

3. Embed purpose and values — Ensure the organisation’s mission resonates with staff and allow people to bring their passions.

4. Focus on wellbeing — Measure more than output. Track engagement, resilience, mental health, not just productivity.

5. Support continuous learning — Upskilling and skill-diversification matter. Australian insight suggests technical and soft skills will determine success in 2025 and beyond.

6. Encourage career conversations — Do more than “What’s your next step up?”. Ask “What do you want your role to enable in your life?”, “What skills do you want to build?”, “What impact do you want to have?”

For individuals: how to practice quiet ambition

If you’re crafting your own career path, here are some pointers:

• Define your version of success: What matters to you? What gives you energy?

• Make small moves: You don’t need a giant leap. Change could be in skill, role shape or workplace culture.

• Check your values: Does your current job give you purpose? Autonomy? Balance? If not, what would?

• Manage risk: As roles shift, build adaptability. Upskill, network and remain open.

• Look after your whole life: A career should support you, not consume you. Time outside work makes you better at work.

• Seek supportive organisations: Choose workplaces that let you define ambition on your terms.

This article is for general guidance. Every person and workplace is unique — tailor your career path or organisational strategy accordingly.

Jan 26