Is your job your identity?

Who am I? I’ve been asking myself that A LOT lately. In other phases of life I’ve had a ready answer to that question. Usually it had a lot to do with my job at the time – I was a preschool teacher, a coach, someone who offered support to other educators, a curriculum developer, an entrepreneur. With each job change I’ve felt the pull to make sure my position or the organization that I work for doesn’t define who I am as a person. The question then becomes, “If I’m not defined by the job, what am I defined by?” Who am I?

Honestly, I don’t quite know how to answer that question. I can definitely identify who I am in relation to other people in my life – I’m a mom, a wife, a friend, and a daughter. But does that say enough about me, or does it say more about everyone else? I also know what kind of hobbies and activities I enjoy, but those change, so I’m not sure that’s the best way to identify myself.

We all grow and change. Things that we love at one point in our lives drive us absolutely crazy at other points. Maybe that’s the key? And maybe I’m just rambling as I try to figure all this out… I guess if someone asked me right now I’d say I’m a crafty, caring mom to an 8 year old who loves to spend time with my husband and friends. It’s short and sweet, but it leaves room for more explanation and change. How would you define yourself right now? Does your job play a role in that?