Is work your identity?

This week, I’m thinking a lot about how our occupation shapes our identity.

Have you ever realized that the first question most people ask when they meet you is “what do you do?” When I was working full time in the corporate world and someone asked me that question, I experienced such a repulsive reaction because my job did not define who I am. I would answer with “I work in finance but I don’t like it… right now, I am really passionate about X, Y, & Z.”

We grow up feeling pressured to find our “dream” occupation and told to figure out and choose the best college major to get us there. We tie self-worth to our occupation because we let career successes and failures define us. We are told that work should be a struggle to build character.

This week’s easily digestible tidbit is:

Remember that work is just one part of who you are; it does not define you. Your life’s meaning does not have to be tied to what you do to earn income.

I like to have a purposeful monthly check-in with myself where I reflect on how life is going to ensure I am living true to my values and interests, which is my identity. I am deliberate about maintaining my sense of self. This not only helps me stay out of burnout, but, it helps ensure I am not becoming a product of my environment and that I am maintaining my unique personality.

Catch yourself asking “what do you do?” when you first meet someone. Instead, ask: “What are you excited about right now?”; “What are you looking forward to?”; “What’s on your mind lately?”

Let’s work on changing the narrative around how we view the role of our occupation in our lives.

Your "core self" is where you derive your identity. It is not work-driven. It is self-driven.

Psychology Today; You Are Not Your Work

This week’s thought provoking questions:

What defines your identity? How do you describe yourself to others?

This week’s appreciation | motivation | recognition idea:

Take a few minutes each week to write down your successes. What did you accomplish? Really take time to absorb these accomplishments. Be proud of yourself!

This post originally appeared in Amber’s insight newsletter in August 2021. Sign up for the newsletter to get fresh insights directly in your inbox each month.

Many organizations struggle with issues like high turnover, burnout, low productivity, gossip/politics, and ineffective leadership. Amber offers an easy-to-start streamlined solution through one-on-one leadership coaching, administering & debriefing Hogan assessments, dynamic leadership workshops, and personalized strategic guidance. The result? Reduced turnover, improved productivity and innovation, and a strategic and thriving workplace. Ready to discover how coaching can benefit your organization?

Is work your identity?

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