Careerism

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Careerism is the overwhelming desire or urge to advance one's own career or social status, usually at the expense of other personal interests or social growth.^{[citation needed]}

Careerism is not simply the desire to succeed.^{[citation needed]} In the work place, careerist individuals are often seen as conniving workers who will stop at nothing to succeed.^{[citation needed]} At the university, college, or even high school levels, careerism is the desire to pursue a career or field of study simply because it carries the prospect of financial stability; e.g., wanting to become a medical doctor because of the luxurious lifestyle that is often associated with the profession.^{[citation needed]} Sometimes, this act is anecdotally referred to as "paying for/buying a degree" (in contrast to attending an institution of higher education for purposes of personal growth or enlightenment, which is what opponents of careerist philosophy believe those institutions should be used for).^{[citation needed]}

Careerists may or may not have any "natural talent" or interest beyond fiscal gain in their chosen fields; these qualities are usually seen as irrelevant.^{[citation needed]}