Like most other working professionals, I spend a great deal of my time in my workplace. This is because I work in a demanding field and I want to ensure that my position is secure in the present, competitive job market.
My career is certainly an important part of my life. However, my career and my life are two completely separate entities.
Today, I can confidently say that I am the same person that I was several years before I accepted my position with my current employer.
I wholeheartedly believe that many professionals become too involved in upholding their corporate images while off of the clock.
I am only paid for a predetermined amount of time each week. My employer gets exactly what he pays for. When I am on the clock, I give my employer 100% effort. Once that time is up, I indulge in the activities that make me happy.
Status is important in this society. However, both my accomplishments and my personality determine my status. My career choice is simply an interesting part of my life.
I am a spouse, a parent, someone's child, a friend, and the life of the party. I am an individual that is defined by far more than a paycheck or a sign-in ID.
Today, I focus on non-work-related aspects of my life. My family makes me the person I am. My hobbies and interests are components of my personality. However, my chosen career field is simply the way I maintain my quality of life.
Ask yourself these three questions today:
- Do I flaunt my career to make others respect me?
- Have I allowed my career to consume too much of my personal time?
- When I introduce myself, is my work the first thing I talk about?
