From Titles to Purpose
Guest Writer: Urmi Hossain
2026 marks my 10th anniversary of working in the financial sector.
In these 10 years, I have changed companies three times. I have been promoted, received the recognition I deserved in my roles, pursued further studies to stay competitive in the job market, and learned about leadership and management. My definition of success was tied to promotion, performance, and productivity. I had to work hard to climb the corporate ladder. I had to prove to others that I could do it all. I had to work overtime to get more.
This is what we call the rat race. But the more I worked, the more I began to see the unhealthy patterns in the workforce — patterns that start with what society and culture expect from us. As a woman, you are told to overperform, overprove, and overextend, and if you don’t, you are worth nothing. In the workplace, being a workaholic is glorified. It is expected that you stay connected on weekends or even while travelling if you want that dream promotion.
This is what success is supposed to look like.
My younger self, who started working at 25, believed I had to achieve it all. It started with the traditional interview question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” The expected answer was: “I want to become a manager.”
But do we really?
I ticked all the boxes of what I was supposed to do to achieve success as defined by society.
Did you go to a reputable university? Yes.
Did you get an internship? Yes.
Did you get a job after graduating? Yes.
Did you ask for a promotion? Yes.
To carry the weight of expectations that society and culture place on women is not easy. I am the eldest daughter of first-generation immigrant parents who placed their dreams on my shoulders: going to a highly reputable university, earning a high salary, and taking care of others.
In the past 10 years of my career, I did all of that. I was constantly looking for ways to climb the corporate ladder. I worked extra hours and asked my managers what I needed to do to get promoted. There were moments of deep disappointment when I didn’t meet those expectations. Looking back, I realise that part of that drive came from wanting to make others proud — to prove to family, to friends, and to the world that I could do it.
But alongside that journey, my definition of success began to shift.
I realized real success is not title-driven or achievement-driven; it is about finding what truly aligns with your wellbeing, your values, and your identity. It is about building a version of success that is yours, instead of living out someone else’s. Instead of focusing on external validation, I started focusing on the things that genuinely make me happy from within.
1. I chose passion with stability. I am lucky that my career in finance gives me financial security while also allowing me to explore the paths that bring me purpose: mentoring women, volunteering, speaking at events, and giving back to the community.
2. I chose impact over prestige. I no longer chase titles like VP or SVP. I am chasing impact. How can I make someone’s life better with the knowledge and the resources I have? If you asked me today whether I still want to be a manager, my answer would be completely different. I am not interested in a better title if it means sacrificing my free time and the things I love.
3. I celebrate rest. Burnout and exhaustion should not be part of our everyday vocabulary. Women taking time off should not be criticised for it. Why do we celebrate overperforming? Why don’t we celebrate women who choose to prioritise themselves? Resting is also part of success.
4. I build my success and my self-worth from within. I no longer seek external validation.
Today, my definition of success is impact- and community-driven. Empowering others with my time and knowledge is what keeps me going. I am inherently a high achiever, but I no longer do it to fulfil societal or family expectations — I do it for myself.
I created my own definition of success as follows:
- I celebrate sustainability over speed. Life is not a race; it is built brick by brick.
- My well-being is my priority. After experiencing burnout and mental exhaustion, I made my health non-negotiable — mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
- My long-term impact matters more than the image on my résumé. I choose impact over image.
For you, reading this, here are practical ways to build your success — both professionally and personally:
● Detach your self-worth from productivity
● Redefine what ambition means to you
● Set boundaries and learn to say no without guilt
● Block non-negotiable time for yourself
● Start small — no one is stopping you from pursuing your dreams
● Journal your personal achievements
● Ask yourself: Are you honouring your time and energy?
● Are you living in alignment with who you are meant to be?
Ten years ago, success meant titles, promotions, and proving that I could do it all. Today, instead, success means alignment, well-being, and impact. It means having the freedom to choose how I spend my time, who I empower, and what I build. I am still ambitious. I am still a high achiever. But now, it is up to me to define success on my own terms.
About Urmi Hossain
Urmi Hossain is a self-published author, speaker, podcast host, and finance professional based in Canada. She holds the CFA and CAIA designations and works in the financial services industry while actively advocating for women’s empowerment, identity, and self-leadership.
Her book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, explores her journey as a third-culture woman navigating belonging, culture, and self-worth. Urmi also hosts Stories Beyond Borders, a podcast amplifying diverse voices on identity, migration, language, and the meaning of home.
She serves as Co-Chair of Women in Leadership’s Montreal Chapter and is passionate about public speaking, mentorship, and continuous growth.
Connect with Urmil
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmihossain
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain
Book: Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle – Available on Amazon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urmamio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesbeyondborderspodcast/
Website: https://www.womeninleadership.ca/montreal
This article is part of the March/April 2026 issue of PASSIONEER Magazine