We Are More Than Our Work

“I am interning at CLAC” is one of the first things I have told people about myself recently. A year ago it would have been, “I work at a camera store.” In less than a week it will be, “I am in law school.” Likewise, one of the first questions I ask of new acquaintances is, “Where do you work?” or, “What do you do for a living?”

Work is inextricably linked to our identity. We derive purpose, meaning, and drive from work—as we should, considering we spend one-third of our life at work. There is satisfaction from contributing to something larger than ourselves. There is joy in being part of a community. There is pride that comes with being successful. But, it is important to remember that we have another two-thirds of our life that should also contribute purpose, meaning, and drive to our lives.

As someone who spent too long allowing a bad workplace experience define her, I am aware of the negative consequences that can come from letting work be the most important thing about you. While work should definitely have an impact on who we are, it should not be all we are.

Even more so, our relationship with work should be a two-way street. Like a perpetual motion machine, we should be impacting our workplaces as much as our workplaces impact us.

Here are two ways to ensure that happens.

1. Take an interest in yourself.

Having interests and hobbies outside of work is a great way to bring different meaning and purpose into life. Allowing yourself to have multiple areas of success can provide confidence and improve your resilience when things at work aren’t going great.

It is also important not to keep those hobbies to yourself. Let people know more about you and who you are off the clock. Your interest can help define your workplace. Sharing details and examples of what you enjoy while at work can help you connect with coworkers and inspire you in areas of your own work. Obviously there are limits, but sharing music, food, or your passion for visual arts could boost moral not just for yourself, but your whole team.

2. Take an interest in others.

Recognizing that work doesn’t define you also means recognizing work doesn’t define the people around you. By taking an interest in your coworkers, you get a bigger picture of who they are and invite them to leave their own mark on your shared work. 

An added bonus is that you may learn about new skills or knowledge a coworker has that you lack! Here at CLAC, I have met people who can answer my questions about music, provide free-range eggs, and brew their own beer. By taking a genuine interest in someone you can transform your workplace, encourage someone else, and have access to knowledge, skills, or products you may not have had before.