You Are Not Defined By Your Job
Have you ever run into an old classmate from high school or college and the conversation eventually turns to “What are you doing nowadays?” (i.e. “What is your job?”)
This question may be answered by ourselves or others in an almost apologetic fashion. “Oh, I’m still working at [EMPLOYER] and I’m only a [TITLE],” said meekly, as if our personal self-worth is tied to where we work and fanciful job titles.
Let’s cut to the chase. You are not defined by your job.
At its basic level, employment can meet the physiological and safety needs of Maslow’s Hierarchy, but too often we conflate our jobs with the love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization we all additionally seek. Your self-worth should never be defined solely through a job, whether you are a janitor or the President of the United States.
I acknowledge this is easier said than done. I think we’ve all been there, allowing our egos to become irreversibly tied to work. Times when the profession becomes one’s only yardstick for success. It’s understandable. We all seek some form of respect, recognition, and financial security. If you love your job, and it provides these things, that’s great!
However, if you’re allowing your perception of yourself to vacillate dramatically because of a job or employer, it’s probably time to take stock of the situation. You may want to consider a career change or just alter your mindset.
So what else can define and ground you? There are bedrock things no one can take away, if you don’t let them. Your self-confidence. Your honesty, work ethic, and accountability. Your relationships and willingness to help others. You will be remembered for the parent, spouse, friend, or co-worker you are long after people forget professional titles or the minutiae of job responsibilities.
Whatever your occupation, do your best and take pride in it.
Just don’t let your job completely define you.
I’ve successfully sold tangible and intangible items and rolled through buy outs, mergers, acquisitions and pandemics.
8 年It is what you do outside of work that truly defines you. Do you play music, ride horses & motorcycles, do charity work or get involved in your community? If not, maybe you should!
Musician, Bandleader, Small Business
8 年As the church folks say - that's a good word!
It is striking how quickly chit chat turns to “What do you do?” as a means for sizing someone up. Better, more meaningful conversations come from better questions: What interests you right now? What are you involved in? Where are you when you get your best ideas?
Helping organizations thrive by developing people and teams
8 年The challenge of defining yourself by your job is what happens when the job goes away? We all need a purpose-filled life -- a purpose that transcends the boundaries of a job or a company.