What we do is a big part of who we are. But, we still believe in finding balance between the two. Next time the lines between your work-life begin to blur, take a step back and consider these thoughts from today’s guest poster, Christina Christian:
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Post by: @Christina_Lynn
With as many hours as we’re working these days, it’s hard to nail down who you are without mentioning what you do.
Think about it. Would you dare walk into a room full of strangers and not mention who you work for or what consumes your day-to-day? Is it merely conversation, or have YOU and your job become synonymous?
If you’re lucky enough to have landed a position that you love, one that holds your attention, challenges you, and demands your full attention, being the “face” of your company might not sound so bad.
But, when your work dominates who you are, it might be time to draw a line.
Here’s why:
- You won’t be there forever. The average number of years a Millennial stays at any one company is 2.6 years. Additionally, the current length of a career is averaging 48 to 50 years. Do that math. It adds up to a lifetime of identity crises.
- It’s all about the sacrifice, right? Not so fast. Sure, I get it. This is your livelihood. Your specialty. Your day-to-day. But does it have to be you? What else makes you smile, brings you joy, or showcases the best of your abilities? Find that. Develop it. And hang on tight.
- Have you heard this saying?: “Work to live, don’t live to work.” As cheesy as it is, it’s true. One of the most common regrets of the dying (not to go all morbid here) is that they wished that hadn’t given so much of their time and identity to their work. While I’m not saying stop working hard, it’s possible to strike a chord that allows you to get sh%^ done without throwing unnecessary hours of your life into it.
- Do you own it? Contrary to the above, if you’re the business owner, your work is you. I’m not sure there are many ways around that besides good time management. But, since chances are you don’t, that identity is already taken. No need to be the imposter.
- Understand the meaning of genuine. Here are some synonyms: bona fide, certain, honest, legitimate, natural, palpable. Much better than the antonyms: quack, pretender, phony don’t ya think. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes: would you want to talk to the guy who’s identity revolves around his work? Who’s conversation always led back to the same place? I know the answer to that one.
- People respect the boundary. If you attempt to maintain a line between you, and you at work, it shows-and more often than not, someone else is trying to do the same and is delighted you’ve found that balance.
Christina Christian is an entrepreneurial, tech-savvy, dynamic marketing maven and community builder, currently working as events director for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Christina also co-founded Columbus SOUP, a quarterly community dinner that helps to fund local projects with local impact. Connect with Christina on Twitter (@Christina_Lynn).