Defining your career
How do you define what you do? Do you feel something when someone asks you what you do?
For many of us, this can trigger a strange mix of pride, anxiety, and the impulse to justify our entire professional experience. In a world that focuses on external validation - ie. titles, etc., it can be challenging to remember that you are not what you do.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, photographer, freelancer, or someone navigating a nonlinear career path, you may have felt the pressure to constantly "prove" yourself and show that you are enough — through what you accomplish and also by how well you can define and explain your career. It can feel like a lot of pressure whether you realize it or not. It’s almost as if we tie our self worth to how clearly our job fits into a box others can understand.
Why Do We Feel This Pressure?
In a culture that values clarity, definition and certainty, ambiguity can feel uncomfortable — especially when it comes to careers and this is amplified when you’re told as young child to be a doctor, lawyer or accountant. There’s an expectation that your work should be easily understood and instantly impressive. When your job or journey doesn’t fit the traditional mold, you might find yourself over justifying yourself just to validate your path.
Not all value can be easily summed up in a job title, yearly salary or a polished elevator pitch.
Redefining the Narrative
Don’t feel as though you need to dim your story to make others comfortable. Defining what you do is helpful — for clarity, communication, and your personal confidence. Your work speaks through its impact and not just simply a label.
Some of the most innovative, purpose-driven careers are built on many different experiences in different roles. What you do may change, evolve, or cover multiple domains. This makes your work more dynamic and yes, it’s also legitimate even if others don’t get it.
From Proving to Being
Instead of trying to "prove" yourself through perfectly defining what you do, see if you can consider:
Leading with your why. Start with what drives you and what you’re passionate about. Passion and purpose often speak greater volumes than a job title ever could.
Sharing your impact. People connect with experiences and stories. Talk about what your work changes, builds, or improves.
Embracing flexibility. Your career is a journey. See if you can let your definition evolve.
You are a collection of experiences, skills, passions, and values — and sometimes that doesn’t fit neatly into a one-line answer.
