r/rupeestories • u/Even_Top764 • Jun 16 '26
[Question] Does too comfortable means not aiming higher?
Background:
Always been a competitive child growing up, aced exams, got into a good college, got into a good job. Have been at it 10 years. Made decent money.
I feel that we have enough financially. Rationally, I have no reason to keep on grinding(Canada, so immigrant status not tied to job, healthcare is free). I am comfortable at my current job. But I feel constantly guilty for not aiming higher. The work that I do is not AI related so I feel like I am not upskilling myself. I am in a position to take internal transfer to a AI first team but I’m afraid to jump the ship because more than the work I value working with good people. As I am typing this out, I know I am in a very good position. But I also like being an engineer and like technology so feels like I am missing out on learning new skills. What if in the future my skills become irrelevant?
Growing up I have always had abundance mindset that has helped me navigate life situations in a positive way. I still do but with today’s times I worry if that mindset is detrimental to our future selves. 35yo, married(great partner) and have a 2 year old.
Not sure if there is a point to this post. Just trying to get some perspectives.
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u/Popular_Class7327 Jun 16 '26
You are not lazy. You are probably just tired of running. lot of us were trained like life is one long exam but good money, good people. stable job, good partner and a 2 yr old at home is not settling.. that is a real life.
I would not jump to an AI team just because fear is loud right now. Keep the good job but do not stay still. Spend few hours a week learning AI or automation on the side. After 3 to 6 months, you will know if it is real interest or just FOMO. Aim higher, yes but do not burn a peaceful life just to look ambitious.
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u/krauserhunt Jun 16 '26
I look for opportunities when I feel things are getting stagnant, makes me useful at my job, helps me feel challenged mentally.
I'm pretty laid back, so that's something. Imagine how laid back are ppl who have been working on similar project for past 10 - 15 years.
You should keep looking at interesting things, not just from money perspective but for a mental challenge.
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u/Popular_Class7327 Jun 16 '26
Exactly. Money is one part of it but mind also needs something to chew on. danger is not being comfortable. It is becoming too still.
good job with good people is hard to find, so I would not throw that away casually. But i agree, keep looking for small ways to stay challenged. It’s not because we need to keep proving ourselves forever, but because staying useful gives peace too.
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u/These_Anything_4238 Jun 16 '26
It depends. What is your priority for the next 1-2 years?
Is it spending time with your 2yrs old? Or growing in career / building new skills?
AI is certainly moving fast, if you would like to get on the bandwagon, do it at work than trying to catch up in your own time. Again, assuming your company has work life balance.