Some People Believe it is Important to Spend More Time Developing a Successful Career - IELTS Writing Task 2

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, societies increasingly value productivity and financial success, and questions arise about whether prioritising career growth is more important than nurturing relationships with family and friends. The IELTS Writing Task 2 topic ‘Some people believe it is important to spend more time developing a successful career’ requires candidates to examine both perspectives objectively before presenting a well-reasoned opinion.

In this article, we examine sample answers for the IELTS discussion essay on the topic ‘Some people believe it is important to spend more time developing a successful career’, along with an outline and relevant IELTS vocabulary to help you craft a well-structured Band 7+ discussion essay.

Essay Question for ‘Some People Believe it is Important to Spend More Time Developing a Successful Career’

Outline for IELTS Discussion Essay

Given below is the outline that will help you to understand how to write an IELTS discussion essay with opinion, like ‘Some people believe it is important to spend more time developing a successful career’.

Sample Answers for Some People Believe it is Important to Spend More Time Developing a Successful Career IELTS Writing Task 2

You will find three IELTS Band 9 essay samples on the topic ‘Some people believe it is important to spend more time developing a successful career’ below. They will help you in writing your own essay and achieving a high score.

Some People Believe it is Important to Spend More Time Developing a Successful Career - Sample Answer 1

Many people prioritise career advancement, whereas others place greater value on relationships with family and friends. Both perspectives are understandable, as success and emotional well-being are equally important in life. However, I believe that career development deserves greater attention during certain life stages, particularly early adulthood, when professional foundations are established.

Those who support a career-focused approach argue that early dedication is essential for long-term success. In highly competitive job markets, individuals who invest time in higher education, skill development, and professional networking are more likely to secure well-paid and stable positions. For example, graduates who accept demanding roles in their twenties often gain practical experience and industry exposure that leads to faster promotions and leadership opportunities. This early sacrifice can result in greater financial security and career flexibility later in life.

On the other hand, critics claim that prioritising work over relationships can have negative emotional consequences. Strong bonds with family and friends provide emotional support during stressful periods and contribute to overall happiness. Individuals who neglect these relationships may experience isolation, burnout, or regret, especially if career achievements come at the expense of meaningful personal connections. For instance, professionals working excessive hours may miss important family events, weakening long-term relationships.

In conclusion, focusing on career development in the early stages of life is a practical decision. Financial independence allows individuals to support their families, enjoy a higher standard of living, and eventually regain work-life balance. Once a stable career is established, people can allocate more time to nurturing relationships without facing significant professional setbacks. Therefore, while personal relationships are vital for emotional well-being, prioritising career advancement during certain phases of life can provide long-term benefits that ultimately enhance both professional success and personal fulfilment. 

Some People Believe it is Important to Spend More Time Developing a Successful Career - Sample Answer 2

Some individuals believe that career success should be the main focus in life, while others feel that relationships with family and friends are more important. Both viewpoints have valid arguments; however, I strongly believe that personal relationships deserve greater priority because they contribute more consistently to long-term happiness and emotional stability.

On the one hand, those who emphasise career success argue that professional achievement provides financial security and social recognition. A stable income enables individuals to afford quality housing, healthcare, and education, while also allowing them to plan for retirement. For example, people in high-earning professions often enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and greater independence, which can reduce stress related to financial uncertainty. In modern societies, career success is also closely associated with self-esteem and respect, further motivating individuals to prioritise work.

On the other hand, supporters of personal relationships highlight the emotional benefits of spending time with family and friends. Strong social bonds provide emotional support during difficult periods such as illness, job loss, or personal failure. For instance, individuals who maintain close family ties are more likely to cope effectively with stress because they have people to rely on for encouragement and advice. Unlike professional achievements, which may fluctuate, meaningful relationships offer a sense of belonging and emotional security that money cannot replace.

In conclusion, although career achievement brings financial benefits, personal relationships play a far more significant role in ensuring long-term well-being and life satisfaction. In my view, prioritising family and friends leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Careers can change due to economic downturns or personal choices, but relationships often last a lifetime and provide sustained happiness. 

Some People Believe it is Important to Spend More Time Developing a Successful Career - Sample Answer 3

How people should be spending their time has always been a matter of debate. People have been divided into two groups – the ones who think that extra time should be for improving the scope of a career, and the others who think that the extra time should be spent with near and dear ones. I shall discuss both sides and state why only focusing on a career is less important than friends and family.

People who manage to build a successful career believe that a glittering career is not all about diving deep into work and disconnecting from everybody else. It could be more than that as well. For instance, somebody who has a great career can support his family and friends markedly better than the counterpart. Moreover, a generous salary is also a commanding factor, which shows the happiness avenue. To put it in simple words, a successful career can pay a handsome salary that helps solve plenty of issues in life, make people gain important status in society and be felicitous as well. For example, a lavish piece of jewellery can always keep a spouse happy.

On the other hand, some people opine that spending quality time with family and friends is worthwhile. They claim that family time is crucial because it strengthens ties and bonds with family. In addition, it helps in guiding children towards acceptable standards of behaviour. Likewise, enjoying the company of friends pleases almost everybody. A good chunk of studies revealed that spending time with friends cures severe mental diseases. So, I am inclined to the notion that a promising career is less important than the company of friends and family. Although people want a brilliant career to be happy, the way it isolates people suggests that they will likely suffer from mental issues like depression, insomnia, etc. Therefore, a successful career should not be achieved at the cost of happiness and personal life.

In conclusion, an assuring career is imperative to achieve, but not more important than kins and companions. I admit that the drawbacks of a brilliant career without having a personal life are meaningless. Therefore, work-life balance is punctuated by many career counsellors.

Vocabulary to Use for Some People Believe it is Important to Spend More Time Developing a Successful Career - IELTS Writing Task 2

Below are some good vocabulary words to use in an IELTS essay, like ‘Some people believe it is important to spend more time developing a successful career’, which will help you when framing your answer for this or related topics.

To conclude, topics related to career and personal life are ideal for demonstrating logical reasoning, balanced argumentation, and advanced vocabulary. However, it is important to take up writing practice tests and go through recent IELTS Writing actual test & model answers to boost your understanding of a top band score answer and improve your writing skills.

Useful Links:

• Some People Think that Work is the Most Important Thing in People’s Life - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Studying at University or College is the Best Route to a Successful Career - IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic 
• People Choosing a Job Early and Keep Doing it are More Likely to Get a Satisfying Career Life – IELTS Writing Task 2 Argumentative Essay 
• The Idea of Having a Single Career is Becoming An Old Fashioned One – IELTS Writing Task 2 
• Part-Time Jobs Are Useful for Full-Time Students – IELTS Writing Task 2 Argumentative Essay
• IELTS Writing Answer Sheet