Identity

 “I Was My Job—Until I Wasn’t”

For 30 years, I introduced myself as “a lawyer.” It was who I was. I worked 60-hour weeks, skipped vacations, and wore my title like armor. Then I got laid off. Just like that, my title was gone—and with it, my identity.

The first few months were disorienting. I didn’t know how to answer the question, “What do you do?” But slowly, I realized I could just say, “Here’s who I am.” I started painting again. I began tutoring teens in writing. None of it had a title—but all of it felt like me.

Advice: You are not your job title. You are what remains when the business card is gone.

Quote: “Don’t confuse your job with your worth.” – Unknown

Lilly Botto -Writer -” House & Garden” Category