Who I Am…

“I am enough, right now.”

We’ve all been to some type of party, formal gathering, or some other type of event where we have been around people that we don’t know. Introductions usually involve a handshake and an exchange of names, possibly where each of you are from, etc. You’ve probably also been introduced to someone that then asked you, “Now what is it that you do?”

The question meaning, of course, what is it that you do as an occupation…

Sadly, our society and culture have equated who we are for our job titles, occupations, and/or incomes for a long time now. I’m sure you all know what I’m talking about. People know John as “the lawyer” or Joan as “the doctor” and tend to associate some level of success towards these people if they have such affluent titles, positions, or or elevated incomes.

I’m sorry to break it to you, but that’s not who they are. Nor is it who I am, nor who I want to be.

Don’t get me wrong – I’d love to win the lottery or be rich! What I’m trying to emphasize here is that identities such as lawyers, judges, physicians, and teachers are roles in life. The amount of money you have (or don’t have) doesn’t define you as a person.

Nor does being a good mother or father. Those are also only roles people play.

I lived my life for many years with a self-identity tied to what I did for a living. The problem with this mindset and the pressure society puts on us in this respect is that it can change. It can change either by choice, or against our will. When I voluntarily left a prestigious position with IBM to be a contract consultant (for not only the challenge but also more money) I had to come to terms with the fact that I was no longer “that person” that I had always identified as myself.

In other words, I was no longer a prestigious IT architect for Big Blue.

More to come about how I overcame this struggle with my true identity…