Social media has completely warped our idea of what a “successful” career is supposed to look like.

Suddenly everyone is making six figures at 24, quitting corporate to become an entrepreneur, landing dream jobs with unlimited PTO, getting promoted every 18 months, and somehow working from a beach in Italy.

Meanwhile, most people are just… working. Building careers slowly. Having years where they earn more and years where they don’t. Taking jobs because they need health insurance. Staying somewhere longer than TikTok says they should. Getting rejected, changing their minds, making lateral moves, and occasionally having absolutely no idea what they’re doing.

In this episode of Clock In, we’re talking about how the internet has distorted our expectations of work — and why a completely normal career can start to feel like you’re falling behind.

We’ll get into salary comparison, job-hopping, entrepreneurship, “dream job” culture, career timelines, and the pressure to constantly be optimizing your life.

Because your career doesn’t need to be an inspo post on LinkedIn to be a good one.

Got a career question you want answered on the show? Submit it here! 🎧 Listen to Clock In for real career talk, job search advice, and unfiltered recruiter insights — new episodes every Wednesday.

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The Internet has RUINED what we think a "normal career" is

Clock In with Emily Durham

The Internet has RUINED what we think a "normal career" is