Overachiever who feels empty
Exits the company, makes the money, and six months later says, 'Is this it?'
Rule out first
Normal post-goal let-down. Burnout after a long push. Loss of identity with a role.
What could explain it
Hedonic adaptation: The emptiness fades as they settle and a new goal appears; it's the usual let-down.
Contingent self-worth: Worth depends on the next win, and without a goal they feel worthless.
False self (Winnicott): The achievements were for others; they don't know what they themselves want.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): Low mood has been there for years under the achievement, and success never touched it.
Will to meaning (Frankl): They're asking the right question: the goals had no meaning for them and they need a new direction.
The gifted child: adapting to a parent's needs (Alice Miller): They are superbly attuned to what others want and have been since childhood; they describe parents who were 'so proud' and can't say what they themselves want. Success brings a brief lift, then a flat or low patch.
A next move
Ask what they'd do if no one would ever know. A clear answer means meaning-seeking; blankness means false self; sadness means depression; a new target means adaptation.
If it’s you
If no one ever saw it, would I still want this?