Does Your Job Define You?

3 Tips For Balancing What You Do, with Who You Are…

I always found it interesting that one of the first things people ask others (or tell about themselves) when meeting a new person is what he or she does for a living. Is that really the single most important thing about you after your name?

On game shows on TV – it’s the same thing. Have you noticed?

People are introduced & then asked what they do. That’s it. Occasionally people mention their families or hobbies, but much of the time it’s just name & occupation.

Isn’t that interesting?

Out of curiosity….what do you do?

No, I’m not asking your job. I’m asking what do you DO?

For example, I travel, I read stories to my daughter, I go ‘play’ camping with her under her tent in her bedroom. I work out. I eat right (about 80% of the time -_-). I network with other entrepreneurs. I read. I listen to audio books. I study marketing. I read some more. I uplift & encourage others to go after their dreams.

What do YOU do? Better yet, what do you WANT to do?

There is a tremendous amount more that I can do (& will). The list above will continue to grow. It will grow according to the things that bring me joy, fulfillment, peace, a sense of accomplishment & that have a positive impact on those around me.  Not solely through how I earn income, nor things that can be highlighted on a resume.

I read an interesting article recently which brought this back to my attention.

From Constance White, Editor-in-Chief of Essence magazine:

“…even though a job may be essential, it should never be central to your spirit. Never lose who you are because of what you do. Your job does not make you grand and not having a job does not diminish your importance.”

She closed the article with 3 tips for balancing what you do with who you are:

1)      Think in terms of having a career you love. What makes your heart sing? What are you good at doing? Are you in a dead-end job or are you on a stepping-stone in your master plan?

2)      Get to know people and reach out to someone who is doing what you want to do or who is where you want to be. It’s called networking.

3)      Nurture yourself by spending time with friends, taking regular vacations, seeking spiritual sustenance and enjoying family.

In short, work to live; don’t live to work.

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Are you defined by your job? Please share this article & leave your comments below.

 
Live Life By Design,

Alice Dymally