What is success? - Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab

Summary

In this conversation, Randall, Emily, and Aubry discuss their personal definitions of success. Aubry sees success as having a career she enjoys and financial stability, while Emily values being able to support her family and gaining recognition in her ceramics work. Both emphasize the importance of financial security, personal fulfillment, and leaving a meaningful impact in their respective fields. The discussion explores the various ways success can be perceived, from job satisfaction to artistic recognition and financial freedom.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aubry believes success means finding a career you enjoy, not one that you dread.
• 😀 Success involves not just enjoying your work but being able to financially support yourself.
• 😀 Aubry highlights the importance of financial stability, avoiding living paycheck to paycheck.
• 😀 The ability to save money for personal needs, like a rainy day fund or luxury purchases, is key to success.
• 😀 Emily agrees with Aubry but emphasizes the need to support her family, especially her child.
• 😀 For Emily, success is also about achieving recognition in her craft, specifically in ceramics.
• 😀 Emily wants her designs to be so distinct that people can identify them as hers without needing a signature.
• 😀 Both Aubry and Emily agree that financial security plays a major role in defining success.
• 😀 A fulfilling career and financial freedom are intertwined components of success in the script.
• 😀 The desire for personal recognition, especially in an artistic field, is an essential part of Emily's definition of success.

Q & A

What is Aubry's definition of success in a professional context?

Aubry defines success professionally as finding a career that you enjoy, rather than one that makes you dread going to work. She also values financial stability, being able to save money, and having the means to afford things like a new car or a pet.

Why does Aubry mention the desire not to walk into work hoping to be hit by a truck?

Aubry mentions this to emphasize the importance of enjoying one's job. She reflects on having experienced jobs that made her feel miserable, and how success to her means not having to endure such feelings.

What financial aspects does Aubry consider important in her definition of success?

Aubry considers the ability to live without constantly worrying about money, to save for the future, and to be able to afford personal desires, such as a new puppy or a car, as key elements of success.

How does Emily's definition of success differ from Aubry's?

While Emily agrees with Aubry about the importance of financial stability, her definition of success also includes being able to provide for her family, especially her child. Additionally, Emily aspires to be well-known in the ceramics art field.

What personal goal does Emily have in the ceramics field?

Emily wants to be well-known in the ceramics art field, specifically for her unique designs. She hopes that her work will be recognizable enough that people can identify it without needing to see her signature.

Why is Emily's family important in her definition of success?

Emily views providing for her family, particularly ensuring her child is well taken care of, as a central aspect of success. This reflects her prioritization of familial security and well-being.

How does Emily feel about her work being identified by her designs alone?

Emily feels that having her work recognized by its designs, rather than by a signature, would be a significant achievement. It shows that her style is distinctive and memorable in the ceramics art world.

What does Aubry mean by being able to save for a 'rainy day'?

Aubry uses the phrase 'saving for a rainy day' to suggest the importance of having financial security for unexpected situations. It reflects the idea of being prepared for emergencies or future uncertainties.

How do both Aubry and Emily view the role of financial stability in their success?

Both Aubry and Emily view financial stability as a crucial aspect of success. Aubry values it for the freedom to make choices and live comfortably, while Emily values it for the ability to provide for her family and pursue her artistic career.

What would Aubry consider a successful career?

Aubry would consider a career successful if it brings personal fulfillment and enjoyment, rather than one that causes dissatisfaction. Additionally, it should offer financial security and the ability to save for future goals.