Recently, I was asked what I do. I considered telling about my crochet hobby, my trailrunning trainings, my current endeavour to look for a place to live in a different city, my morning routine, my current investment in House of the Dragon, the daily blog post that I have written each day since early July, the many books that I read, or the people that I regularly game with. Obviously, none of these activities was what was actually asked for.

Work Over Other Identities

The question what we do is generally answered with your main occupation: job or student. It’s too simplistic to reduce the question “What do you do?” to just our occupation. Yes, work is a significant part of our lives, but let’s do a quick calculation: There are 168 hours in a week. We spend about 56 hours sleeping and, assuming a full-time job, 40 hours working. That leaves us with 72 hours for everything else. Interestingly, we spend more time sleeping than working! So, next time someone asks you what you do, feel free to answer “I am a sleeper.”

Identity-Based Jobs

Typically, when we answer “What do you do?”, we state our main occupation, like “I am a teacher” or “I am a student.” It’s less common to say, “I work as a teacher.” This phrasing suggests that our jobs define us entirely. We actually are our work.

In the context of habit formation, this kind of identity-based thinking can be useful. James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, suggests that seeing yourself as a ‘runner’ instead of ‘someone who runs’ can be a powerful motivator. This principle applies broadly: how we identify influences our beliefs and behaviors. However, this approach has its downsides when it comes to our jobs.

Your Job And Your Self-Image

James Clear suggests that our self-esteem and self-image are closely tied to how we perceive our identity. When we align well with how we see ourselves and feel proud of that identity, our self-esteem flourishes. However, the opposite can also be true. For instance, if you strongly identify with your job, a bad day at work can feel like a personal failure rather than just a professional setback. You might mess up a series of tasks, and your manager’s frustration can lead to you feeling incompetent as a person, not just as an employee.

The Problem with Over-Identification

It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing our job as the most important part of who we are. This mindset can be problematic because if work defines you, any setbacks or challenges at work become personal failures. This can affect your self-esteem and overall well-being. Here’s why this is concerning:

• Increased Stress Levels: When things go wrong at work, you might feel like you’re failing as a person. This can lead to increased stress and anxiety, making every mistake seem bigger than it is.
• Limited Sense of Self: Over-identifying with your job can make life feel narrow and one-dimensional. You might neglect hobbies, interests, and relationships that could bring joy and fulfillment.
• Less Resilience: f your self-worth is tied to your job, setbacks can be devastating. It becomes harder to bounce back from challenges, as they feel like an attack on your identity.

It’s crucial to remember that you are more than just your job. Diversifying your identity with various interests and hobbies can help create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Broadening the Definition of “What You Do”

It’s curious how “What do you do?” often just means “What’s your job?” Despite the many hours we spend outside of work—even sleeping—this question rarely touches on those aspects. We’ve also seen how identifying too closely with your job can be harmful, increasing stress and limiting your sense of self.

So, let’s change the narrative. When someone asks what you do, consider sharing more about your hobbies, interests, or how you relax. Start saying, “I work as a […]” instead of “I am […].” This simple shift can help highlight the many facets of your life, reminding both you and others that there’s more to each of us than just our jobs. Embrace the full spectrum of who you are, beyond the confines of your professional identity.

Sources

Atomic Habits by James Clear
Identity-Based Habits: How to Actually Stick to Your Goals This Year

Banner Photo By: Alesia Kazantceva