Work and identity: What is your true self without your business?
Work and identity are our topic today. Entrepreneurs' personal identities are typically shaped by their work. Over time, I have asked professionals around me: who are you without your business?
Therefore, we will discuss identity issues including the pros and cons of defining oneself through one's business, life values, the multiple domains of identity, etc. You will leave with many reflections to be happy and content in life, not an action plan!
Entrepreneurs often equate job and identity. You will realise that defining yourself by your career has benefits.
I consider entrepreneurship my core identity and mindset. Without TheBBoost, I would have started another business.
My heart cherishes entrepreneurship. My tenacity, perseverance, willpower, and mental strength are more than in any dietary balance.
I exist through my business because it represents me, like many of you.
I think integrating work and identity is beneficial:
A solid professional identity helps you overcome yourself.
Working hard helps you achieve big things.
Business results boost self-confidence and talents.
I constantly claim TheBBoost and my career built me. The girl I was before starting out is nothing like the woman I am now. Business is important to my personal growth.
Being defined by your career has drawbacks.
I may view messages on Instagram as love, such as praise for my podcast or entrepreneurial path, as love.
We must realise that professional success does not define personal success. Building a business does not make you loveable. Company bankruptcy does not mean a manager is “bad” or unsavoury.
I once asked on Instagram, "Who are you without your business?" I also said that my work identity still defines me.
The following message struck me: “ it's really sad to see things like this”. Despite understanding the statement, I was curious why it bothered me so much 🧐. I found the answer immediately!
I still struggle to define myself outside of work. Entrepreneurship is my standard for success, love, and consideration.
I struggle to communicate without talking about my business. Imagine meeting a fantastic individual with a poor or no work value. Our value systems are different, thus misunderstandings are possible.
Even though she's my house's leader, the Instagram user who sent me the message has a poor work value. Explains that!
I didn't feel sad till now that this work value was essential to me. It fit me perfectly to live through my business. I nurtured this value by working hard since it made me happy.
However, I am becoming more aware of the drawbacks of employment and identity.
Asking ourselves our true values, not just those that make us feel good, is crucial. I will always prioritise work over other aspects of my identity. I must also learn to nourish these other areas daily.
Some of you may prioritise independence over family or employment. Everything is fine as long as the responses match you.