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I am writing a document where I need to describe a decision I'm making that is beneficial both to my finances and to furthering my career. I'm more partial to using two -ly adverbs to match the rhythm of the rest of the document. The first is obvious: financially. I am struggling with the second: an adverb to describe my career. Professionally came to mind, but that sounds a bit too stiff, and I would like to place the emphasis on the learning opportunity. Is there a more apt word? Or should I drop the -ly words altogether and try others?

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Could you explain how professionally is stiffer than financially? They seem equally stiff to me. – Ed Guiness May 11 '11 at 14:27
@Ed A good point. In the situational context, however, I feel that professionally has dubious personal undertones. The emphasis is on the opportunity. – HaL May 11 '11 at 14:35
I like "financially and professionally" and don't see a problem. Otherwise you'll need something like, "good for my finances and my career," etc. – The Raven May 11 '11 at 14:35
If you're keen to avoid being 'stiff', how about saying it'll improve your bank balance and your job prospects? Too informal? – FumbleFingers May 11 '11 at 16:48

4 Answers

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You could use vocationally, if that fits for you (even without the ly) - but there is no real surrounding context here, we're going to be putting words in your mouth, so to speak.

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I really like this word. – HaL May 11 '11 at 14:35
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While I don't see a problem with the word professionally in the case you describe, the term professional growth might come off a bit softer. For example, "This decision benefits me financially and offers opportunities for professional growth." I believe that professional growth suggests a desire for self-improvement. It avoids some possible negative interpretation of professional benefits that I think you're worried about, such as a reckless pursuit of titles and dollars.

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Nicely put. I agree with you in that professionally wouldn't exactly raise my hackles, but OP says he has a problem with it, so that's out before we start. Like you, I think professional growth does indeed suggest a laudable desire to better oneself, steering away thoughts of attempting to climb the greasy pole. – FumbleFingers May 11 '11 at 22:14
up vote 0 down vote

You could use

Scholarly

if that helps.

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That's actually an adjective, no? – Ryan Reich May 11 '11 at 19:57
@Ryan Reich Haha, good catch. I didn't really put much thought into this, I guess. – MikeVaughan May 11 '11 at 19:58
up vote -1 down vote

Clarifying the context would be beneficial, for us. Can you phrase the sentence you're trying to write?

essentially?

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I don't wish to seem rude, but it's not obvious to me how this answer (or indeed any other answers or comments you've made here on EL&U) will enhance anyone's understanding or command of the English language. Your contributory style might be more at home in a chat forum. – FumbleFingers Aug 21 '11 at 18:14
@FumbleFingers No you're completely correct. Thanks. nb. only deceit for the sake of diplomacy & offence taken are rude. Thoughtful criticism is always complimentary even if not intended to be. – jonny Jan 31 at 20:49

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