It’s not uncommon to fall into the trap of thinking that our jobs define who we are. Society places a great deal of value on productivity and career success, and it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that our worth is tied to our work.
If you’ve been feeling like your job is everything, it’s possible that you’ve been mixing up your feelings about your work with your sense of self-worth and calling. You may have come to believe that your job is the only thing that gives your life meaning or purpose, and that without it, you’re nothing. (If you’re wondering, yes, I’m speaking about myself)
This kind of thinking can be toxic and damaging to your mental health. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even depression. You may find yourself working longer hours, taking on more responsibilities, and sacrificing your personal life in order to succeed in your job. (If you’re wondering, yes, I’m speaking about myself)
Over time, this can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and a sense of disillusionment. You may start to feel like you’re stuck in a job you hate, but you can’t leave because you’ve tied your identity and sense of self-worth to it. (If you’re wondering, yes, I’m speaking about myself)
The truth is that you are much more than your job. Your worth and value come from who you are as a person, not from your job title or your salary. You have unique talents, passions, and interests that make you who you are, and it’s important to cultivate those things outside of work.
If you’re feeling like you’re having an identity crisis now that you don’t have a job, it’s important to take some time to reflect on who you are and what you want out of life. What are your values, your goals, and your dreams? What makes you happy and fulfilled? What are your strengths and weaknesses? (If you’re wondering, yes, I’m speaking about myself)
By answering these questions, you can start to build a stronger sense of self and a clearer sense of direction. You may find that you want to pursue a different career path or that you want to focus on a hobby or passion outside of work. You may even discover that your true calling lies in something completely different from your previous job.
Ultimately, the key is to remember that you are not your job. Your job may be a part of your life, but it does not define you. You are a complex, multifaceted person with many talents and interests, and it’s important to honor and nurture all aspects of yourself, both inside and outside of work.
What are we called to?
For many of us, we may have been brought up to believe that our vocation is our calling, and that our work is our purpose. This can be a confusing message, especially when we start to feel unfulfilled or unhappy in our jobs. We may start to question our worth or feel like we are failing at life. However, the truth is that our calling is much greater than any job could ever be.
God calls us to be compassionate, loving, and kind to one another. He calls us to be the best versions of ourselves and to use our talents and abilities to make a positive impact on the world around us. Our calling is not limited to our jobs or career paths. We can fulfill our calling in any area of our lives, whether it be through volunteering, serving our communities, or simply being a good friend or neighbor.
It is important to remember that our identity is not tied to our job or career. We are complex individuals with unique talents, passions, and experiences that make us who we are. Our jobs may be a part of our lives, but they do not define us. We are much more than what we do for a living.
Psalm 139:13-14 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This verse speaks to the idea that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, with unique talents and abilities that make us who we are.