You Are Not Your Job Title

Identity and success often get intertwined for high-achieving professionals, leading to a fear of failure that can be paralyzing. Arthur C. Brooks, a professor at Harvard Business School and coauthor (with Oprah Winfrey) of 'Build the Life You Want,' delves into the complexities of professional identity and offers a unique approach to overcoming the fear of losing your edge at work.

[lauraporter]

Newly retired from 35 year career - feels less bad, more than great - thanks for your help!

[emmaenduro]

That's so right. We are different and must stop associating with titles. Its time to preserve our attention and focus on things that matter.

[Fahad-]

Love this, I am being called my job title and I'm really overqualified for this role and I am planning to switch out.

[iamsukie]

WOW...I have been struggling with this exact thing after moving from role that is considered vital to KTLO in most mid to large organizations to a role that is not vital. I really needed to hear this.

[rutendomatanga]

👍🏽 Great and wise advice.Its always good to find work that allows you to live a life that gives meaning and balance for healthy motivation.

[paulcrook]

Know this feeling well. Depending on the setting, will answer I am the product of my Father's seed and my Mother's nurturing when asked where I am from. Follow up is usually So what do you do? To which the answer is Live to the best of my ability and ensuring to enjoy the positive people around me.

[bradmonaghan]

It's a status thing, obviously. Especially when your job title is one like harvard professor, or any sought-after senior and/or powerful title. Ego lesson 101.

[the-chipette]

So if someone didn’t call Professor or Dr. He wouldn’t care at all?