I often hear people say, “My work is who I am.” Nothing could be further from the truth. If you do not know yourself well, chances are that you will become what you do. Most of us are trapped in this phenomenon because we have defined our identity based on our business cards! In today’s culture, it is unfortunate that we are taught to measure our worth through financial success, our titles, and how busy we are.

As someone who spent at least a couple of decades trying to balance career success and personal growth, I have seen how work identity can consume a person!

It becomes even more complicated when some of us associate our work with an internal calling. When your work feels divinely inspired, it is easy to mistakenly perceive your career as an extension of your truest self.

This often arises from a fear of inadequacy, the anxiety of not being seen or valued, or the belief that we are not good enough to succeed.

However, true fulfilment comes when we cease to define ourselves by what we do and begin to define ourselves by who we are. The best that we can do for ourselves is to take time out for introspection, emotional connection, building strong relationships, and creating happiness outside of the workplace.

When we cultivate a balanced life beyond our work, we are less impacted by the inevitable career rollercoaster we all experience.

It is possible to reclaim our identity, but only if we step back and ponder the deeper question: Who am I without my business card? The more we acknowledge that our legacy is not about amassing titles and wealth but about creating meaning in our lives and the lives of others, the happier we will feel 😊