careerism

Noun

careerism (usually uncountable, plural careerisms)

1. (derogatory, usually) The overwhelming desire or urge to advance one's own career or social status, usually at the expense of other personal interests, social growth, or ethics.
   • More than most of his flag officer peers, he understood how to navigate Washington politics and news media, helping him rise through the ranks and obtain resources he needed, although fellow Army leaders often resented what they saw as a grasping careerism.2012 November 9, Michael D. Shear, “Petraeus Quits; Evidence of Affair Was Found by F.B.I.”, in New York Times
   • Fear of the other and the future, anger at what had been done to oneself and one’s compatriots, simple ambition and careerism all could be found among those who murdered Armenians.2015, Ronald Grigor Suny, "They Can Live in the Desert but Nowhere Else": A History of the Armenian Genocide, Princeton University Press, →ISBN
2. (US, usually) The perception that being a member of the military is a career, rather than an obligation to serve one's country.
   • In addition, military aviators' concerns about careerism as well as their lack of professionalism and personality clashes added to the friction against program.2002 Air & Space Power Journal fall 02