Thank you to everyone who commented on yesterday’s post seeking printer suggestions. I hope you all enjoyed the throwback to the days of Windows ME. 🙂
This week is, quite possibly, the most challenging week of my professional life. We’re talking over 25 years here, people. This is when I start looking back at jobs I’ve had throughout my career, and pining for the simpler days of showing up, doing the work, and heading home.
But it’s never that simple, is it? Even when I was in those positions, I was all in. I am, for better or worse, someone who cares a lot about the work that I put out there into the world, as well as how I interact and work with others, whether they are co-workers, patients, or students. It can make it difficult when things are going a bit off the rails (see: this week) and I’m struggling with how much I invest in my work and these relationships.
I suspect that the way I approach work is partly due to the fact that my professional identity is a large part of my personal identity. Is this because I am single with no kids? Is it just an inherent personality characteristic? Who knows… But I do know that even the hard days are worth it, in the end, and that my investment in relationships, especially, is not going to change. Those relationships have been even more important this week. They make it easier to navigate the tough days.
But if the universe could just stop throwing challenges in my path, I certainly would not argue with that. Two more days to go…
I don’t know who said this – probably many people – but it seems apt today: “The best views come after the hardest climbs.” (And gosh, I hope it’s true…)
My husband and I were just having this discussion about how much identity is tied up in careers. We have a friend who is a professional singer and got COVID a few months ago and her voice has not yet recovered fully. She is SUPER STRESSED because who is she if she isn’t a singer? And my husband had the same question about his job. Meanwhile, I’m over here thinking that my identity isn’t at all linked to my career and WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME? The grass is always greener on the other side, isn’t it?
This is fascinating, Engie. Seriously. I do wonder if there is something about the type of job? Or is it the type of person? I have a student who’s exploring professional identity as her concept this semester (long story, just bear with me here) and it’s fascinating to hear her talk about self identity theory and what goes into that. I might have to dig in to some of her articles when I get her final paper. Yes, yes, I am a nerd. In all ways. 🙂 And yes, the grass is ALWAYS greener. Always. I think it’s just human nature.
I remember counting down the days at the end of each semester when I was in school. I hope that the next 48 hours fly by and that you have an incredible view waiting for you at the top <3
They’re flying a little more slowly this morning since I only got 2 hours of sleep (I am going to post a brief whine in today’s post; more exciting details there. ;>). But I do hope that today goes more quickly than yesterday did and that I manage to limp into the weekend and get some time for me this weekend. 🙂
The end of the semester always seems particularly challenging but I also know that the world needs dedicated, passionate people like you. Just imagine if everyone would just show up and perform a duty…. this world would be a sad place.
It’s hard to balance but I could not live with myself if I phoned it in. I really couldn’t.