For many years, I didn’t feel comfortable introducing myself by my job title. For example, “Hi, my name is ___, and I’m a technology consultant at PwC”. It just didn’t sit right with me. I think it’s because when I ask “Who am I?”, answering with my current job or occupation does not satisfy. In fact, I’ve had this question tucked into my front pocket since high school and more than a decade later, I still do not have an answer.

To some (I daresay, many), using one’s job to define identity happens naturally and instinctively. There are other significant things which can define identity too:

• Does career define you?
• The place you live (city, neighborhood, living situation)?
• Your family, friends, significant other, coworkers?
• Your culture, ethnic background, community, spirituality?
• Your diet and what you eat?

It is possible for something to be important, but not necessarily define our life. I personally feel this way about my career. It’s important, I spend a large chunk of my life doing work, but if I got off my career track and found myself living in a yurt in the middle of the desert, I would still have my core essence and not feel lost or deeply troubled. I’m not exactly sure what comprises my core essence, but like my hidden 6-pack abs, “You can’t see ’em but they’re there”. (-Shaun T, Insanity).