I love the work that I do. The same is the case for many of us. We might not have planned or strategized our way into our current role. But here we are, savouring aspects of work that give us joy. For some, it is the handsome paycheck or a fancy job title, whereas for others it could be the sense of pride for one’s competence in their respective fields.
When we’ve given our blood and sweat long enough in a particular profession, what we do forms a major part of who we are: our self-identity. So much so that, when we introduce ourselves to others, we identify ourselves with what we do (e.g. doctor, teacher,software-engineer, interior designer etc.)
What happens to us when this work identity of ours gets threatened with a demotion, furlough or in a worse scenario, potential job loss?
I remember a time in my career where there was tremendous pressure to boost business performance. Veiled threats to job security soon followed suit. I recollect the confusion it created in my mind, the shame and angst that I felt, albeit briefly.
What could protect our sense of self, boost our self-esteem and regain confidence when the chips are down?
An excellent way to begin is by accepting that we are not just our work selves. We have multiple identities (parent, friend, biker, tech enthusiast, musician, dog lover). McConnell’s (2011) multiple self-aspects framework (MSF) portrays the self as “a collection of multiple, context-dependent selves”. Psychologist Patricia Linville has put forth similar views through The Self Complexity Model. Think Chief Justice Bobde and his bike lover identity, Abdul Kalam as a rocket scientist, musician and more.
Research has found that people who perceive themselves as having many identities apart from just their work selves, experience more positive outcomes including higher levels of self-esteem (Rafaeli-Mor & Steinberg, 2002), lower levels of stress and illness (Kalthoff & Neimeyer, 1993), and a greater tolerance for frustration (Gramzow, Sedikides, Panter, & Insko, 2000). This helps us to be resilient and prevent affective spillover (Linville,1987).
Once we accept that we embody multiple identities, we can choose not to be trapped in any of them. Seek fulfilment and balance in other roles/identities that we play/hold in our lives. Being questioned about your competence or being without work is a distressing experience. Consider various aspects of the self as being connected but separate. Find not just succour but also pride in other identities, which we’ve nurtured. In doing so, we stand a fair chance to weather the storm and come out flying high. The broader we define and identify ourselves, the easier it will be for us to be confident and explore new avenues.
We are dynamic beings with contradictions and multiple selves. Let go of the need to identify yourself narrowly. As Walt Whitman writes in his poem ‘Song of Myself’- “I am large, I contain multitudes.”
