I’ll be discussing the point a career stops feeling like “who you are.” This is important because it’s a message about self discovery in many ways. Careers are changed several times throughout a person’s lifetime commonly. That was the case for me and it’s been the same for others too. We’re gonna deep dive into this topic and hopefully have it function as a bridge for someone to take the next step into where they’re actually supposed to be or just gain closure with what it is that they’re doing in life.
The point a career stops feeling like “who you are”
The point a career stops feeling like “who you are” is when you are either choosing to make a shift in identity or just realizing that you are multi dimensional when it comes to your line of work. Maybe the industry took a cold shift that doesn’t align with what you knew it to be. There’s a discovery or moment of honesty that’s had in where you don’t feel what you do represents your true character.
What point does your work start feeling like something you just do?
The point your work starts feeling like something you just do might just be at the beginning of your working lifespan.
This could very well be the start for many people that could remember getting their first job.
Another point that could be argued is when you give up progressing in your career and choose to continue working for what feels like to simply make a living.
We’re born with this mindset most of the time in where we do what gets done because we’re simply told to do it.
For some that’s perfectly fine; others may feel differently. I’m not one to judge on what you feel is right for you.
What I will suggest if you’re craving change is to do it in a way that makes everything feel totally different than what you’re used to.
It’s embracing a level of uncomfort and have it coexist with the belief that you’re going to succeed anyways.
Most people don’t allow this to happen because that feeling terrifies them.
There’s nothing wrong with those people, but they won’t help you get to that level you really want.
What if work wasn’t part of your daily life
That’s a question you have to ask yourself to get the full message that’s being made here. Work isn’t supposed to be the full identity of your life. That’s not meant to diminish anybody’s feelings that believe they’re defined by it, I’m simply suggesting that you don’t go “all in” with this layer of life. There’s so much more to it than your work. For example, being a support system for others is another aspect that’s worth identifying with; there’s people doing things that don’t have much to do with you but just being someone that gives them the time of day builds a reputation and meaning worth living for.
Is it normal to feel lost in your career?
I absolutely feel it’s normal to feel lost in a career; at least early on. If anything it’s most normal with a job.
That’s line of work that doesn’t last long with the people who apply to do it. A career feels more solidified.
If you ask most people what they have in terms of work, the ones who tell you what their career is usually feel super proud of it.
Let’s say liking what you do for work isn’t the problem. Matter fact you actually like it. Feeling lost is still possible to experience.
Chances are you’re not a bonafide expert in the work you do, especially if you’re employed with an employer.
Maybe you’re taking part in work that’s innovative and there’s areas that aren’t conclusive yet; you’re gonna be lost at some point.
The part where it’s not normal is continuing to be part of something you once claimed as a career and your feeling of being lost blocks the passion.
It’s staying somewhere you’re not happy about and you shouldn’t feel obligated to place a specific title that should be special with something that’s less than enjoyable for you.
What is a career limbo?
A career limbo is nothing more than just a testing ground for the line of work that felt highly opportunistic at the start.
It’s not abnormal by any stretch. I would focus on making the turnover time for being in that period sooner rather than later.
If you stay there for too long, your passion will plummet. It’s similar to the saying that goes you’re either growing or dying.
That philosophy applies to your career as well. I would say that the time period for this state could last up to 7 years.
It’s similar to a marriage in many ways.
There’s studies that suggest if you’re in a relationship that lasts longer than that you’re usually locked in.
Career limbo should be the same way, except you get a benefit that’s exclusive in not needing consent or patience to progress.
If you wanna make this union work, it’s completely up to you!