Reading through financial forums lately has become a peculiar form of self-torture. Between the endless parade of inheritance announcements and the “humble” brags about astronomical salaries, it’s starting to feel like scrolling through Instagram’s highlight reel - but with dollar signs instead of sunset photos.

The other day, while sipping my morning batch brew and scrolling through yet another post about a 30-something receiving a generous inheritance, something clicked. These forums have morphed into a strange kind of financial voyeurism, where we peek into others’ monetary lives, often to our own detriment.

Reading through various career change stories online today got me thinking about the incredible journeys people take when they decide to completely switch paths. From burnt-out healthcare workers to hospitality veterans, there’s a growing trend of professionals making bold moves into entirely different industries - and thriving.

The stories that caught my eye weren’t just about salary increases (though doubling or even tripling income certainly grabbed my attention). What really resonated was how many people described finding unexpected happiness in roles they’d never previously considered. Train drivers who left hospitality behind, nurses transitioning to medical sales, and event managers stepping into tech - each story painted a picture of people breaking free from their comfort zones.

Looking out my office window in the Docklands, watching suited figures shuffle between glass towers, I’ve been thinking a lot about how corporate life shapes us. The discussion I stumbled upon recently about corporate personalities really struck a chord.

Remember that spark of enthusiasm we all had in our twenties? That genuine excitement about entering the workforce, making a difference, and climbing the corporate ladder? Fast forward fifteen years, and something fundamental has shifted. The enthusiasm has been replaced by a sort of programmed efficiency, and that sparkle in the eyes has dimmed considerably.

Looking out my home office window towards the Melbourne CBD skyline, I’ve been pondering the peculiar way we define ourselves through our work. Just yesterday, during a coffee catch-up at Hardware Lane, a friend introduced me to someone new with the classic opener: “This is Dave, he’s a…” and there it was - my profession front and center, as if it were the most important thing about me.

The subject of professional identity has been weighing heavily on my mind lately, particularly after watching a thought-provoking discussion about career-based identity and its pitfalls. It’s fascinating how deeply we’ve woven our professional achievements into the fabric of our self-worth, especially here in our achievement-oriented culture.