I am not my job.

It’s a funny thing identity. At any given moment we can describe ourselves in a million different ways. My response has changed over time, and I’ve realised that with maturity comes the understanding that I no longer describe myself by what I do, but rather what I am.

I love stories. Since I was a little girl, I have spent hours lost in the magnificence of imagination - bringing characters and creations to life. I’ve consumed books, articles, art and now podcasts, and enjoy the visual repertoire that pounds the front of my brain.

I’ve also imagined myself in many different jobs. What does Lucy look like as a doctor? A lawyer? A teacher? A wedding celebrant? A business-women?

Well, I’ll tell you. I look best in navy blue scrubs, the barrister’s wig is not for me, my glasses have an English-teacher vibe, colour is the essence to all good weddings and obviously I’d be wearing my pink power suit. Simple.

But I am not my job. I am my story. And that’s only really hit home this week.

I work with a particularly wonderful group of consultants, whom I met as grad’s and who have started climbing their way through the career jungle. I’m so proud of them. They are a group of driven, articulate and wonderful young people who remind me of the energy we all once brought to our jobs. They inspire me. I bloody love them.

But, we work in different roles, different parts of the business and our success is measured differently.

So, they say “tell me about you, what do you do?”...

“Ah. Sales? Business development?”

And bless the blank stares returned to me. Lucy, you failed. What a boring story.

Watching this group interact, socialise and engage across our firm has reiterated the importance of knowing and articulating: what is your story? These people wanted to know me, not what I did everyday but, what made me wear super high heels, invest in my 'patch of people' and even the personal reasons behind big life and career choices.

People don’t buy things or buy data; people buy people and buy stories.

I am a lot of things. I am a friend, a sausage dog Mum, a reader, a talker (too much sometimes, sorry!); I am a traveller, a painter, an aunty, a daughter, a sister and a wife. I have had my heart broken and been the breaker of hearts. I am kind, I am invested in people, I am extroverted, and I am shy, I am nervous, and I am outgoing. I am pink pant suit wearing, full cream cappuccino drinking Ferrari F1 fan. I am Lucy, and I am more than my job.

Please write your story. Know your story. Share your story.

As “the grads” reminded me, we are always more than we think we are, we have more influence than we think we do, and we can always change that trajectory of someone’s day just with a smile. And maybe, that’s the real job.?