We’ve all met that one person who can only talk about one thing: their job. Whether it’s the promotion they just received or the impossible task their boss assigned, there is always something related to their job to talk about. There are two sides to this story. On the one hand, your job is a key part of your identity. It reflects your abilities and efforts. However, this also causes work-life imbalance and extreme pressure to do well. Let’s explore the ups and downs of your job being your whole identity.
You’re proud of your work.
It’s not necessarily a bad thing when your job is your identity. When something big happens at work, such as a big promotion, it’s only natural that you’ll want to talk about it. Who can even blame you? After all, you should be able to celebrate your achievements.
Your work gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
For many people, their work gives them a purpose in life. Their job gives them satisfaction, and they’re content with what they do. When your job aligns with your values and passions, it can be incredibly rewarding and motivating. This sense of purpose drives you to excel and invest in your career, leading to professional growth and personal satisfaction. Your job becomes more than just earning money; it becomes a source of pride and a testament to your dedication and hard work.
However, there’s another side to the story.
Constant pressure and stress.
When your job is your whole life, you feel a constant pressure to be the best. Every mistake, setback, or lack of progress can feel like a personal failure. This will affect your confidence in your abilities, which will actually hinder your future performance. Such immense pressure and stress can make it difficult to fully disconnect and take a break, as the thought of work will always be in the back of your mind.
Your role could change.
Once your job has become your whole personality, what happens if your position changes or is threatened? If your job changes, do you completely lose your identity and are you left not even knowing who you are? Life is unpredictable, and this is the biggest reason why people are advised to not base their whole identity around something that can disappear or change.
Having your job be your identity is not entirely a negative thing. You can celebrate your professional achievements and take pride in your work, but also make time for personal interests and relationships. How do you do that?
Work-Life Balance.
The most important thing is to find a work-life balance. Your job is still an integral part of your identity, as it reflects your passion and effort. However, your life outside of work is an integral part of your identity as well. Make sure you spend time with friends and family, pursue personal hobbies, and ensure that you’re taking care of your health and well-being. While it’s important to focus on work, it’s just as important to focus on yourself.
This article was written by Hailey Jiang.
Hailey Jiang is a copywriter and poet living in Boston. She enjoys rowing, figure skating, and playing with her cats. You can find her on Instagram at @hailey.photo.writing