As a new grad, I can almost guarantee one of the questions you both ask and answer is something along the lines of “what do you do for work?” It’s a simple question, but it carries weight (and can bring up a lot of emotions for those that don’t have something lined up quite yet.) The way we answer can shape how others perceive us, and how we perceive ourselves. But should it? Is our career truly reflective of who we are?
Why we often tie our identity to work
In a world that often equates success, it’s pretty easy to see why so many people tie their identity to their career. It makes sense especially when I look back on the internship search when I was in university, and there were a few people who were only interested in working at the massive companies like KPMG, Microsoft, Google, Dyson, etc.
For many of us, a career represents more than a paycheque, it’s a source of purpose, status and structure. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for some, our jobs often feel like proof that we’re successful or on the right path. Early in our careers, when we’re still figuring out who we are, it’s tempting to define ourselves by what we do professionally. Titles, internships, and achievements can feel like tangible markers of progress and belonging (which is not a bad thing), but it makes it easy to see our work as such a major part of our identity.
The risks of over-identification
Identifying too closely with our career can lead to some challenges:
Burnout: Constantly striving for professional success can drain our energy and our passion
Identity Crisis: If our job changes or ends, we might feel lost or uncertain about our worth
Limited Perspective: Focusing solely on work can cause us to miss out on personal growth opportunities or other experiences outside of our profession
Finding a balance
If we’re thinking about our work 24/7, it’s a sign to invest our time into activities outside of our jobs. Exploring hobbies and interests beyond work gives our minds a healthy (and needed) break and reminds us that there’s more to life than deadlines and tasks. Once we figure out what activities or hobbies excite us, we can start integrating them into our routines. This might be something like volunteering, exercising, pursuing a new side project or even picking up an old hobby like colouring.
Participating in activities outside of work can also introduce us to new social circles, where people value us for who we are rather than our professional achievements or how “easy” we are to work with. These communities don’t care about you hitting your KPIs or your job title – just about your shared passions and the joy of doing something fun after working hours.
Final Thoughts
I think it’s important to remember that we’re not defined by the work we do, we’re defined by the person we are. Focusing on things other than work allows us to build a sense of identity that goes beyond our job title. What we learn from this might even end up being valuable to our careers, and if not, at least it helps us to live a more fulfilling life.
The next time someone asks “what do you do for work?” I encourage you to consider sharing not just your job title but also what you love.