careerism; putting career advancement first
Refers to an attitude or principle of prioritizing one's own career success above other values. Often used critically.
His colleagues are fed up with his careerism.
People who put career advancement first sometimes sacrifice personal relationships.
出世 means career success or advancement in general, while 出世第一主義 specifically denotes the principle of prioritizing that success above all else.
立身出世 is a broader term for rising in the world and achieving success, often with a more traditional or historical nuance, whereas 出世第一主義 is a modern, critical label for single-minded careerism.
Compound of 出世 (career success) + 第一 (first, number one) + 主義 (principle, doctrine). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common pattern for labeling attitudes or ideologies.