When you started with "il sound elitist" I was getting ready to get angry. But as I read the rest of it - I wasnt sure what the elitist part of it is. I actually thought I was the elitist one when I shunned impressing others for a career (and oh boy has that cost me!) only to wonder after decades in a career where the F it all went by with nothing to show for. Really good advice btw. If you want a career sometimes you need to put your ego aside.
Yes yes a career can mean different things for different folks. (specifically) in this context il take it to mean working in a stable job that pays enough and consistently to help you take care of things/people you care about comfortably.