Looking to your work to satisfy and define you is dangerous.

It is important to have passions. If you are blessed with the free time to enjoy them- again an example of privilege as I wrote about in my last article – then explore those passions! Sometimes though, you'll need the “Good Enough” job to allow you to do that. Putting all the emphasis on your work to satisfy your every need and define your identity is fraught with danger. During the pandemic and other recessionary periods, people who suddenly find themselves out of work face a real struggle.

Who am I if I am not my work? I ask myself that question too.

According to author Simone Stolzoff , the majority of us depend heavily on our work to form our identity. He advocates against the “Dream Job” in favour of a “Good Enough” job. The job that offers us the paycheck, maybe even purpose, but leaves us the space we need to look elsewhere for more. We need to take stock of what is important to us and how and where we can find fulfillment.

In my case, when my kids were younger, I needed flexibility. That was the key requirement. Money was important, but I needed the flexibility to be around for my kids through the teen years. Flexibility is still my key factor. I need to be able to attend to my elderly mother when she needs my help, to be there for my kids, to be able to take some time to volunteer or travel.

Money has always been a secondary necessity. That again puts me in a place of privilege. Don’t get me wrong, the money I earn has a huge impact on our lives, but the time to care for my family has always come first. I have been lucky enough to find a career that enables me to balance both for the most part.

Stolzoff advises recalling the elements of work that are most important to you. Is it working collaboratively? Is it creative work or technical knowledge? Is it working alone on a project or a team-based effort? What area do you prefer working in? Do you need flexibility, or is a steady paycheck more critical, regardless of hours? Make a list of what is critical to you and then search for ways to fulfill it not only through work.

Let’s say art is my passion – do I want to work in a creative or artistic job full-time? Maybe yes, but maybe not. Maybe I would rather do a different type of work so that when I am creative, it's not dictated by monetary value or outside expectations. Even if you love your job, you will experience stress. It might motivate you and propel you, but when it takes over your health and takes focus away from your passions and priorities, perhaps a "Good Enough" job would be better.