WHAT IS YOUR ROCI? (RETURN ON CAREER INVESTMENT)

When you think of ROI (Return on Investment), it’s usually about your investment portfolio. But what about your career? You have put in your most important assets of your life i.e. your time, your energy, your attention and your heart in to this. Are you being rewarded for more than just a paycheck or is your 9-to-5 leaving you emotionally and intellectually bankrupt?

Let’s break it down because a fulfilling career is the ultimate investment portfolio for a life well-lived.

Fulfillment and Impact: Are You Making a Difference?

Twelve years ago, I made the bold decision to leave EY because, despite its prestige, something was missing— I didn't know what it was until much later. What I felt was missing was fulfillment and freedom to choose. While entrepreneurial and consulting ventures followed, none matched the deep sense of meaning I now experience in training and life coaching and expressing my creativity in 100s of ways. Helping others transform their lives is more than work—it’s what truly lights me up.

Your job should do more than fill your wallet—it should fill your soul. Are you creating value, solving problems or improving lives, in ways that matter to you? Or are you just ticking boxes and waiting for Friday?

Growth: Are You Growing or Just Going?

At EY, there was growth for me but it came with a restriction. I was constantly learning—whether it was learning about how non-profits work or mastering the COSO framework and Basel II compliance for banks. But this growth was dictated by market demands, not by my personal passions and choices. What I craved was learning that nurtured me and my soul e.g. self-awareness, self-mastery, emotional intelligence, relationship building, spirituality, knowledge about cultures of the world, how people lived, what they think and how they are similar and different from me—skills that aligned with my inner development goals and match my curiosity and passions.

A thriving career challenges you to grow personally and professionally. Are you learning new skills, broadening your horizons and evolving into the best version of yourself? Or have you hit the snooze button on your personal growth?

Joy: Do You Love What You Do?

There were times when I loved my work at EY, especially the excitement of starting a new type of project, challenges and problem-solving therein, meeting different types of people at the clients etc. But the lack of control over the volume of work and which client to work with, often turned joy into overwhelm. Even the most exciting tasks lose their spark when they encroach on personal time and well-being.

What’s your “Monday Morning Feeling”? If it’s dread instead of excitement, your career’s return may be running on fumes. A high ROI career should spark joy and make you feel alive every single day.

Connections: Are You Among Your Tribe?

If there’s one thing I’ll always treasure about EY, it’s the people I worked with. Working alongside some of the most brilliant and kind-hearted individuals enriched my life in ways I can’t measure. Some of my most cherished memories come from this time in my life. I’ll never forget the overwhelming joy and love I felt when more than 20 people surprised me for my birthday at Mr. Burger Boat-Basin in 1998. It was the first (and only!) time I ever got birthday bumps and the feeling was absolutely unforgettable.

To this day, I carry immense gratitude for the friendships, love, and care that made the journey worthwhile. If you were one of those people who I got a chance and privilege to work with, I am thankful for your kindness, support and all the things you taught me about work, life and friendship.

Do you share your workday with people who inspire, challenge and support you? Strong connections can transform a job into a community, making even tough days worthwhile.

Freedom to Choose

Freedom isn’t just a perk; it’s the lifeblood of a fulfilling career. One of the biggest realizations I’ve had in my journey is that freedom isn’t only about deciding what you want to do—it’s about having the power to say no to what doesn’t align with you.

I’ve been fortunate to work with some truly inspiring clients over the years—CEOs who were humble, grounded, and a joy to collaborate with. These leaders valued my input, trusted my expertise, and gave me the freedom to approach projects my way. Working with them wasn’t just productive; it was energizing and fulfilling.

But not every experience was the same. There were clients who drained my energy, humiliated others, and micromanaged to the point of stifling creativity. They turned work into a burden, stripping away the very freedom that fuels meaningful contributions.

How much freedom does your career offer you?

Freedom to choose isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for a career that not only pays the bills but also nurtures your soul.

Time to Evaluate

If your career isn’t delivering on these returns, it might be time to pivot your approach to your current work or even look toward something more meaningful. After all, life is too precious to waste on things with low ROI.

Ask yourself: What does my career give me beyond money? What do I truly want from my work?

It’s never too late to change your approach to work and if need be, invest in a career that pays in joy, growth, and purpose.

Ready to explore your options? Let’s chat.