It’s an easy question, you think. You’ve got plenty of documentation that can attest to your name, family relations, address, age, and even health status. If you were to ask anyone to introduce themselves, you’d probably receive a long list of answers. We all have a story to tell, and we are all the main character in our story.
But how many people will mention their job in the short bio? A small percentage of people share their profession to explain who they are. The reason, however, is not that they are ashamed or forgetful. The reason is much simpler than that. They don’t think the job defines who they are. They don’t recognize themselves in their careers. If this sounds familiar, you’re not on your own. When it comes to professional identities, there are four types of people: those who know early, those who explore and navigate a map of interest, those who have scattered passions, and those who struggle to define their passion. Not sure where you fit in and don’t know how to find clarity? Here are some ideas to help you understand your professional identity.
Make travel a must-have
Traveling exposes you to new ways of thinking, doing, and speaking. In many ways, traveling allows most people to experience challenges crucial in figuring out who they are. Most of us grow up safely at home, surrounded by friends and relatives who often share common interests and values. As a result, you are unknowingly limiting your growth potential and your chance to unlock new passions. We tend to follow the easy path that is already traced by our parents and social circle, which makes it hard to find who we are. So, there’s nothing wrong with booking a holiday abroad and reaching out to an immigration attorney to prepare a travel visa. Visiting and experiencing new cultures can offer the change of horizon you need to discover your passion.
Ban comfort zone and go for uncomfortable
Sticking to your comfort zone is, of course, comfortable. But it is also counterproductive if your career lacks excitement. Being comfortable in your job doesn’t make it enjoyable. So, it’s worth taking a leap of faith to change your career. According to a Gallup study, over 50% of workers are not engaged in the workplace. Why? Because the job isn’t who they are. So embracing change could be the key to find your happy place. From recognizing transferable skills to networking, you’ve already got tools to explore new career options.
Spend some time with your own thoughts
The human brain has over 6,000 thoughts in a single day. How many of these have you explored? The answer is probably closer to zero than you think. There’s a reason for that: Life can be incredibly distracting. So, it can be beneficial to take the time to think your thoughts to the end and see where they take you. Whether you are using a blog, a personal diary, or meditative tools to wander along the unknown depth of your thoughts, you can learn more about yourself. After all, how are you going to know who your professional identity is if you never spend enough time with yourself?
In short, it’s time to ask yourself again: Who am I professionally? Identify the tools you need to experience new horizons, new paths, and new thoughts. You may well find yourself along the way.