Is your work something you do or something you are? I appreciate this perspective.

Question

https://greatist.com/connect/identity-outside-of-career

Anonymous · Answer

Used to be who I was - I was so proud of the company that I worked for, and the level I had reached. Then I got wise...I was just a chip to the company, even at my level. They did not reciprocate my loyalty. I began noticing what was behind the curtain. Corporate realist or corporate hippie, I began to look at actions more than fancy program announcements. Now I embrace all of my many selves, not just whatever job I happen to be doing. I am stronger, freer, and more myself now.

Kathy Yaros · Answer

I worked for a large, family-oriented NFP for 24 years, creating my path and rising in the organization. I allowed it to become my family, my support system and my identity. 
When there was a change in leadership, I found myself out in the cold. When I left, aside from a few people, it was like I was never there. It took me a while to figure out who I was apart from them.  I also found that  my “family” were just co-workers, and this bond was all in my mind. 
It was a hard lesson, and a hard transition for me, but I still bless the many experiences, skills developed and the growth as a person. I am now doing something else, but my identity is in me, not my job.

Sandra Diaz · Answer

It is who I am in the sense of how I apply my talents, skills and learning which I've honed through my profession. But it's just what I do in the sense that I can apply those talents, skills and learning to solve many types of problems, and that there's other aspects of who I am that are not about my talents, skills and learning. Most importantly, my value does not depend on my ability to deliver results. As a person of faith, my and other's identity and value is rooted in being created and loved by God. For others who do not believe in a God or higher power, I imagine identity would be rooted in the inherent value someone has because they are a human being.

Bosslady412730 · Answer

My job allows me to use the gifts and skills that are God given.
By practicing my profession I grow in both knowledge and wisdom. In the end I walk away knowing that tomorrow holds another chance to  do more and enjoy the family I'm working  for..

Jackie Ghedine · Answer

I absolutely love this article and can relate to it 100%.  There is an astonishing statistic, over 50% of people wrap up their identity in their jobs.  While your job is a part of who we are, when it consumes our being and defines our worth (here's the slippery slope) then when it's pulled out from under you, you can feel lonely, lost and unfulfilled.

Funny enough, this week's episode of our podcast Make Your Life Magnificent is all about losing our identity.

You can check it out https://www.therestingmind.com/podcast-1

Alyssa Beyer · Answer

What I do. I can only seem to find dead-end, low-paying jobs, so it’s just that: a job. That doesn’t even fully pay the bills

Lady Pele · Answer

While I gain much of my confidence and satisfaction from my career success, it’s not who I am.  Who I am is a Christian, a woman, a spouse, a lover and a friend who uses her strengths as a Project Manager.

Is your work something you do or something you are? I appreciate this perspective.

You're invited.

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