You Are More Than Your Job Title

Our jobs are a significant part of our lives. The time and energy spent in your job can frame your whole life. Think back to a time when you were asked to tell people about yourself. Your job title was probably the first or second thing mentioned.

There is a good chance that you think about your job outside of work hours and rely on the income and benefits that come from your job. What happens if that job is suddenly gone? It can feel like a chunk of you has been ripped out of you. When I lost my job in 2020, I felt that way. I saw a set of armor from a soldier who was hit by a cannonball. That was a great visual of my feelings when my job was taken away.

I felt like I was my job title, and when it was taken away, it felt like a piece of me was taken away, and I felt empty, vulnerable, and damaged. I had to learn that I am more than my job title to get past those feelings.

You are also more than your job title. Whether you are employed or unemployed, realizing that you are more than your job title offers you a freedom that can help you grow your career.

A sudden job loss can fuel self-doubt and embarrassment. You may ask yourself what is wrong with me. The connection between your identity and your last title causes this struggle with confidence after losing a job. Reflecting on your value can help you overcome those feelings. Your skills, experience, and perspective hold far more value than just a job title.

You can get past the negative feelings and prepare yourself for new opportunities by taking a few steps:

• Reflect on your experience, skills, and the value you provide
• Break free from the mindset that your worth is tied to your most recent job.
• Redefine yourself and present a compelling personal brand.

Getting beyond those feelings can be difficult. My new book Expertise Expedition walks you through crafting a personal brand that highlights your value using real-life examples of professionals who successfully pivoted or rebranded.

Look for my book Expertise Expedition in June and check out The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese, now for ideas on how to find the success you deserve!”

Let's learn from one another. Share your questions or experiences in comments.

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