I’ve always linked my self-worth to my career. Because of how our culture perceives certain occupations or my pride, I worked hard to find a job I (and my mom) could be proud of. “I work at [employer]” or “I am [job title]” thrilled me. So when I eventually accepted my dream job that didn’t include serving tables, I felt like I earned the right to say those words to show the world I made it. When my desire came true, I realized I no longer loved the job, which was a life-changing moment.
I was fired from a company I only kept due of its reputation. I felt worn out and lacked the passion to work for them, but I didn’t listen to my instincts and kept the job since I liked how others treated me when I said it. I couldn’t quit my addiction. If I lost this job, I’d be a nobody with no proof of my hard work. After being fired, I felt relief. Part of me wanted to cling to something that wasn’t making me happy out of pride, but I finally followed my truth.
For most individuals, being fired means they’re incompetent, and their confidence plummets (yeah, I’m theatrical). I was disappointed that I didn’t follow my heart and let someone else rule my fate. My self-worth isn’t defined by a nice-sounding profession, it’s defined by my values, my truth, and what happens beyond 9-to-5. It was good to work for a well-known corporation, and I miss feeling “accepted.” I know my career doesn’t define me because I only need my own approval.
Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t define yourself by your career or job, because your self-love is worth more than a wage or title.
1. Having a well-known job isn’t enough.
Working for a reputable company looks good on a résumé, but it’s not enough to be successful. Job or riches rarely measure success. True success is doing something you love, caring for others, overcoming your anxieties, or finding happiness. Success means something different to everyone. It’s fine. Because you should always be yourself and not copy someone else’s road to success.
2. Because your truths and values determine you.
Wouldn’t it be nice if your profession didn’t matter? We want to know a newcomer’s name and profession right away. Why? Can a person be defined differently? Yes, knowing their passions is fantastic, but shouldn’t we ask them?
What you love, dream of, value, and cherish defines your identity. True friends and family don’t care about your career or salary. You’re their only concern. You should prioritize your happiness over a job, income, or supervisor. Period.
3. Most employment is transitory and subject to change.
Despite life’s uncertainties, most people believe they have perfect control. You may be a hardworking architect now, but in four years you may prefer to milk cows. You never know how experiences will change you. Everything changes. Life is filled of surprises and more matters than your career.
4. Because this is something you do and not something you are.
These are just jobs—they don’t define you as a person. There are many ways to define yourself if you hate your job. In addition to your work, you may be known as a mother, a puppy lover, or a video gamer. Anything you appreciate or value is part of your identity. You should be renowned for what you love to do and be, not your positions.
5. People won’t remember your job, but how you make them feel.
How you treat others and express yourself defines you more than your jobs. When people think of you, they may mention your career, but they’ll remember your personality and character. You’re not only here to work. Maybe you’re intended to help someone else or to change your town and inspire others. Only identifying yourself by your job is a mistake. Try to broaden your horizons and help others. We’re happier when we recognize we’re more than our employees.
