Many, many moons ago, when I opened my Facebook profile, I used an outline of my profession as my bio. A friend commented publicly that no one was interested in what I did - they wanted to know who I was. I deleted the comment and unfriended her because, at the time, I did not understand what she was trying to convey: that we are more than our professions. If I could go back to my younger self, I would tell her a few things that she would only understand much later. But these insights I now wish I had known earlier are not just for my younger self - they're also for a younger generation.
We are navigating a world that demands expertise and adaptability. Adaptability is your superpower. And the world is loud, shouting. The weight of its message can be overpowering and might try to convince you that your worth is defined by what you do, how much you earn, the car you drive, or the title on your business card.
Your identity is not tethered to your career, and your failures or successes are not reflections of your worth as a person. Do not pour everything you have into your craft, thinking that excelling in your profession is the key to fulfillment. Although this focus may bring achievements, it could also bring burnout and an unsettling emptiness.
Society loves labels and rewards specialization and expertise. But defining yourself only by what you do professionally can overshadow the richness of who you are outside of your labels. You are also a son/daughter, a brother/sister, a parent, a friend, a thinker, a creator, a learner, and so much more! These facets deserve as much attention as your professional ambitions.
You’ll learn that a profession is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The most meaningful moments in life often happen outside of work: a comfortable silence shared with a loved one, chaotic evenings spent with family, and the satisfaction of helping someone without expecting anything in return.
Choose your passions over prestige. Don't follow a path just because it's what others do. Pursue what genuinely excites you, even if it seems unconventional or less profitable.
Value your humanity and prioritize your personal growth. Invest time in hobbies, relationships, and self-care. There is a whole world behind your screen and beneath your fingertips, giving you connections to people all over the world. But there is also a world right outside your door, with people and personal connections waiting for you to explore.
Learn to define success in terms of fulfillment, balance, and impact. It took me years to understand that my profession is a role I play, not the sum of all I am. Your career should amplify your life, not overshadow it. Your skills are just tools. Let them serve you, not define you.