More Than a Job Title: Why Defining Ourselves by Our Careers Can Be Impeding and Frankly Boring 💼

In my mid-20s, I found myself at a party chatting with a small group of strangers. You know how it goes: we quickly settled into the classic question, “So, what do you do?” After a few minutes of polite nodding over careers like banking and engineering, we landed on Michael.

Michael said he was a surfer. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted; finally, someone sounded far more interesting than Sarah in consulting (whatever that is). Michael regaled us with tales of globetrotting, hunting down the best surf spots, and sharing adventures with all sorts of fascinating people along the way.

I couldn’t resist asking, “So how did you get into surfing professionally?” Michael scrunched up his face and replied, “I’m not a professional surfer; I just enjoy surfing. My job is in sales.” There it was—surfing, along with the adventurous life it entailed, was how he preferred to define himself.

This conversation profoundly impacted me. Nowadays, I often ask, “So what’s been keeping you busy?” It’s a much more open-ended question that invites people to share about work, family, hobbies, or the latest series they’ve been binge-watching. It feels like a more engaging way to start a conversation.

This story leads nicely into a deeper discussion about how we define ourselves by our careers—a process that can sometimes feel restrictive or even heartbreaking when things don’t go as planned.

Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and co-author of Build the Life You Want, wisely notes, “The party’s going to finish.” While our professional endeavours can be fulfilling, relying solely on our careers for self-definition can leave us feeling hollow when the applause fades or when unexpected changes occur. Our identities are shaped by a rich tapestry of experiences, interests, and relationships that extend far beyond our job titles.

Recently, I caught a live talk featuring Stephen Bartlett and Dr Tim Spector. Both exemplify how pursuing diverse interests can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. They challenge the idea of staying in one’s lane, showing that embracing various passions can yield greater personal and professional satisfaction.

Take Stephen Bartlett, for example. Known for his groundbreaking work as a young entrepreneur, he’s not just a "Social Media CEO" but a dynamic individual exploring everything from wellness to philosophy. Bartlett has built a platform that encourages people to learn, grow, and embrace their multifaceted identities rather than be boxed into a singular role. His journey shows that the pursuit of passion can lead to greater fulfilment.

Dr Tim Spector, a leading professor at King’s College London, embodies the spirit of lifelong learning. While widely recognised for his groundbreaking work in medicine and science, he refuses to be pigeonholed as just a doctor or scientist. Instead, he delves into diverse areas like nutrition, health, and now business through his company Zoe, sharing his findings through writing and podcasts. I now have a copy of his cookbook. His curiosity drives him to explore various fields, enriching both his own life and the lives of those who follow his work. Who knew a scientist could be so entertaining?

Ultimately, our identities aren’t just a collection of job titles; they are a blend of experiences, interests, and relationships that shape who we are. When we give ourselves the freedom to explore different aspects of life, we unlock potential for growth and connection, leading to unexpected opportunities and enriching experiences.

So, let’s raise a glass to living a life that’s not just about what we do, but about the adventures we embark on—after all, who wouldn’t want to be the person at the party with the best stories? Cheers!