What if lasting, world-changing, fame-achieving, happiness-producing achievement in one’s career comes only to those driven by a higher purpose – i.e. those that have a mission – versus those who chase success in any form?

When I recently joined HubSpot as a VP I was excited for a number of reasons, particularly the chance to work with a phenomenal executive team whom I'd met during the interviews.  I knew the role would entail long hours but I did not realize exactly what kind of commitment I had signed up for then.

With Steve Jobs stepping down as CEO from Apple, the Wall Street Journal put together some of his very best quotes.  The whole collection is beautiful - inspiring, insightful, legendary.  But there are 8 that are particularly special to me and that I hope will move you, the reader, as well.

When I finished my undergrad degree in computer engineering in 1999 I got a job paying $54,000 a year, based in Seattle.  This seemed like way too much money for a new grad and indeed I was able to save 15-20% while living well.  My calculations at the time said if I reach that clichéd milestone of a six-figure salary I'd have more money that I would know what to do.  Well, 12 years later I've surpassed that milestone but financial bliss hasn't transpired; on the contrary I spend less time doing some things I love outside work and more time worrying about saving for the future.  How did my financial finish line move and how much salary do I need to be happy - now and for the future?

There's a cliché when it comes to job hunting: "it's not what you know but who you know."  Of late I've been thinking if and when this is actually true.

Early in one's career the cliché is probably less true.  I landed my first couple jobs not because I knew someone at that company but because of whatever skills/credentials I had (until they found out I actually didn't have those skills but by then it was too late... ha ha, suckers!  kidding).  And this experience seemed true of my classmates and most other people I've worked with.  Indeed, early in their careers most people seem to be hired for what they know.

People make their way into the working world in myriad ways. Some of us are forced into it early due to life circumstances, some of us skip the college/university thing and head to work straight from high school, many follow the more conventional path of High School followed by a 4 Year College and then on to work.

One of the most surprising, if pathetically humbling, realizations I’ve had is that every time I’ve left a company it continued to run just fine without me.  Indeed, the very day I announced my resignation at my last three jobs and provided two weeks’ notice, I’ve always noticed an immediate drop in email correspondence and an implicit meeting cadence as though I am no longer working there.

During my undergrad I landed an internship at an investment bank that was highly sought after because the manager was an alumni who was legendary in his financial and managerial abilities.  (His selection of me being the sole error in his otherwise flawless career I’m sure, but I digress).  But the week that I arrived for the internship he joined another group in the company and I never saw him again.  And the manager who replaced him?  Well, let’s just say he a bit shy of legendary status.

When I became a manager for the first time, my boss Francis De Souza took me aside and gave me some of the best career advice that I’ve ever received.