The Success Paradox: A Reflection on Hard Work, Networking, and Success

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the whole idea of success. You know, how some people seem to pour their hearts and souls into chasing their goals. They do everything right, get all the necessary certifications, build a solid portfolio, volunteer, and make an impact wherever they can. They stay visible and active on social media, keeping things professional. They’re constantly learning, constantly improving.

And yet, despite all of this effort, some of them just can’t seem to catch a break.

Meanwhile, there’s another group of people. They don’t do much, at least not on the surface. No big portfolio, no extra certifications, not even much of a social media presence. But somehow, they land dream roles with what seems like little effort. They hit their targets effortlessly. It’s almost like they’ve unlocked some secret path to success that some persons aren’t aware of.

This contrast really keeps us wondering! What’s going on? Is it all about knowing the right people? And if that’s the case, what about those who don’t have access to those networks but are still working hard every day?

The Power of Networking

Sadly as it may, I have heard this saying over and over again : “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” I mean, sure, networking can open doors. It happens. There are entire job markets that revolve around referrals and internal recommendations. Sometimes job openings never even get posted publicly and they’re filled before anyone outside the company gets a chance to apply.

But let’s be real: not everyone has those kinds of connections. Some persons are building from the ground up, without any insider network to lean on. So, what happens then? Does that mean no matter how much effort they put in, they are stuck in a race they can’t win?

Hard Work: Does It Guarantee Success?

The principle of hard work as a key to success has long been a foundational belief in many cultures. But real-life experiences suggest that effort alone may not always suffice. Hard workers often face rejection after rejection, while others seemingly with less effort are offered similar opportunities without a struggle. This begs the question: How do we measure success? Is it fair to equate effort with outcomes, or are we overlooking other crucial factors?

The Role of Visibility and Social Proof

Maintaining a professional presence, especially on social media, is increasingly seen as a necessity. Recruiters often turn to platforms like LinkedIn to gauge candidates. Yet, it is not uncommon for individuals with limited social presence to secure opportunities over those who actively market themselves. Could it be that employers value something deeper than just visibility and credentials?

On the other hand, being visible can attract opportunities that might otherwise be missed. People who share their projects, skills, and achievements may catch the eye of potential collaborators, mentors, or recruiters. Still, the reality is that visibility is not always a guarantee of success, it is merely a tool that may or may not yield results.

The Mental and Emotional Toll

For those who put in the effort without reaping the desired results, the journey can be demoralizing. They may start to question whether their sacrifices have been in vain. “What more can I do?” becomes a haunting question. When does perseverance cross the line into diminishing returns, and how do people maintain hope and motivation when faced with repeated setbacks?

On the flip side, those who succeed with minimal effort may feel pressure to prove that they deserve their success. They may also face judgment from peers who assume that their achievements were purely based on luck or favoritism.

Luck, Timing, and Privilege

Now, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: luck and timing. Sometimes being in the right place at the right time can make all the difference. And then there’s privilege, whether it’s your socioeconomic background, education, or family connections. These things can give people a head start, even if it’s not obvious to them or others.

I know it’s not easy to talk about luck and privilege because it feels like admitting things are out of our control. But it’s there. And if you’re someone who doesn’t have those advantages, it can be really tough to navigate the playing field.

So, how do you keep going when it feels like success is slipping through your fingers? And how do we create a world where effort and talent get recognized, regardless of your starting point?

A question to my readers…

This brings us to a critical point of reflection. If you are someone who has achieved success through hard work, how do you perceive those who have relied on networks or other means? If you are someone who has benefited from connections or timing, how do you view the idea of meritocracy?

More importantly, what strategies can we develop to ensure that opportunities are accessible to all,regardless of background, network, or visibility? How can society better reward effort without leaving others behind?

Success means different things to different people, and each person’s journey is unique. Let’s explore these questions together.