Balance, Success, and other ambiguous words

I've spent the better part of the last three weeks talking with students at career fairs and interviewing them for full time roles. I used to have a lengthy form of questions to guide a conversation... and after many conversations I realized it really all boils down to two things:

-What do you want to do with your degree?
-What are you looking for in a full time job/company?

And it really is starting to sound like a broken record... everyone wants "work-life balance" and "to be challenged" and "growth opportunities" and they want a job that is "meaningful" at a place that "cares and is socially responsible" so they can be "successful."

And that is all fine and well. Honestly, I would probably say those things too if I was still in school. They sound nice. They sound like all the things you're supposed to say and want. I want those things too... but what I haven't figured out, is exactly what any of those things actually mean. I think they mean something different to everyone, so maybe we'll stick with the vague and say "it depends."

I had to skip a meeting I really cared about tonight because I was at work late. Working late happens, especially when I have such limited in-office days during the recruiting season. I care about my work and want to do a good job, so I typically don't mind. I'm a problem finder... process improvement and experience enhancing projects are exciting. But I've always wanted "work-life balance" and swore after I was done working in nonprofits and with college students, that I'd stop working until midnight and 2am. It hasn't happened yet.

Two weeks ago a 41 year old at our company had a heart attack. I have no idea what the cause was, but my immediate thought was... "he's way too young to be that stressed out" and "if I died next week, would I regret how I spent this week" Getting at this balance thing - we make excuses that we run ourselves into the ground in college for grades to get a job, and then in our job to get promoted. Everyone prioritizes different things - for me it's work, travel, friends, family, volunteering. Maybe that's too many buckets...maybe that's why I always feel "busy" and end up with a sink full of dishes, and a pile of laundry in my room. So I'm doing work and life.. but is it balanced? What does that even mean?

I've been fortunate to career switch and get promoted, and make enough money to pay for a comfortable life, nearly eliminate student loan debt, and afford a second international trip post-graduation this spring. But is that success? I enjoy my job, and those privileges/luxuries... but I don't have the house/partner/pet/child a majority of my friends are choosing. Again, I do believe we all have different definitions. I'm happy and wouldn't give up what I have for anything... I can't help but notice that it all looks so different from what I once thought "success" is/was.

As you might have guessed, a lot of this pondering started when I read, The Charge. It poses the questions - Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter? ... and Am I engaged? Am I energetic? Am I enthusiastic? 

Again, my answer would be yes to all of them. I think. I feel those things...but how do you really know what the perception is from others? And to what degree? Could I be better? Does it matter what I think? or others?

And this is why I'm incredibly thankful to be surrounded by some of the best human beings on this planet. I'm fortunate to have friends and family that support and love me as I figure things out... to join in on the adventures, help to push me when I need it, and tell me to take a break and sleep when I need that even more.

If you're reading this - there's a good chance you're one of those people. Thank you.