Does what you do for money = identity for you?

[gimmethesimplelife]

Just curious......does what you do for money equal identity to you? Maybe I'm lucky as I have not held many professional jobs in my lifetime but for me to answer is a resounding NO WAY! I'm glad to have my current job, I'm glad to be learning what I am learning on this job, and I'm glad for the chance to save some money, both in a 401(K) and in a credit union savings account.....I'm glad for the frequent overtime to help with this.....but do I take identity from this? No - no can do - that shipped sailed years ago. What about you, does work equal identity to you? Rob

[razz]

My creativity and thoughtfulness to others has always = identity for me whether at work or play. Money seems to result with this practice.

[Yppej]

Not anymore, but I wouldn't rule it out in the future. I have always wanted to work for a nonprofit helping make the world a better place but it's never worked out. Maybe it will be a retirement job though.

[Tammy]

Yes for me. Psychiatric nursing is a big part of who I am.

[BikingLady]

Yes it does. Though I have not held a job for pay in 17 years. However I was a stay at home mom. If we would not have been able to afford this luxury I would not have been able too, so Yes. Husband has a career, he only works as hard as he does for money, yes it identifies him. He has always had finer clothes and toys due to his hard work.

When we stepped back one time and thought it was time to retire really young, Money or lack or an income from a job 100% Identified how/why and what we did or did not do and lived.

[herbgeek]

Even if I wasn't an engineer, my habits and ocd-ness would follow me to any other job :~)

[ToomuchStuff]

To others, who knows as it would depend on the individual and you can't control what they think.
To myself, no. It is just a job.
Things that I have enjoyed and tried to make into jobs (you know the old belief that if you love what you do, it isn't work), have not worked out that way. I get to where I hate them as I get to deal with other peoples problems.

[Gardnr]

Being a Registered Nurse is a big part of my life. Is it my identity? No....but definitely a significant descriptor if someone asks "who are you".

[catherine]

Not really. My job is what I do to earn a living. It does not define me. I can see how others can feel differently about their professions: the teachers, social workers, nurses here, etc. But back in 1998 I only became a market researcher because I was attracted to a better starting salary than what I was getting at the time, and which I needed desperately to raise my kids. I enjoy my job, and I utilize my talents, and I have autonomy--all of which is great. But my job does not define me.

[SteveinMN]

Even if I wasn't an engineer, my habits and ocd-ness would follow me to any other job :~)
A friend of mine, married to an engineer, often asks him, "Are you an engineer because you're that way or are you that way because you're an engineer?" :)

[SteveinMN]

As for the original question, I was a computer geek for 30 years. Yeah, it's who I am. So I would have to say what I do (well, did) for money = identity. I had no problems with it.

[Gardenarian]

Partly. "Librarian" would be included in any description of myself, and even after I fully retire I will still consider myself a Librarian.

Is it the most important part of me? I don't think so. What I value most in life is my family and my connection to the natural world, my personal growth and creativity.

[Teacher Terry]

Before I went to college I would have said no. AFter I got my first professional job it definitely did. First I was a social worker and then I did all the testing, evaluations, etc to help people with disabilities get back to work. Then when I retired I became an adjunct professor so I now see myself as a teacher.

[Williamsmith]

I did so many things...gas station attendant, sold fruits and vegetables, chased down shopping carts and stocked shelves, assistant to a millright, delivered payroll in a big city, was a foster parent for severe and profoundly challenged wonderful humans, air traffic control, state trooper/ criminal investigator, regional pharmaceutical drug representative, and a golf course maintenance man. Every single hour I ever worked....I did it to pay bills and raise a family. Nothing about who I am ever influenced what I did.

Every single job made me who I am. Much of it I despise. Some of it, I am shocked about. A very small percentage, I am proud of. My true identity is very different than my current identity. It is under a thick layer of calluses, scar tissue and emotional turmoil but it is there. I dig for it on a daily basis. rarely do I find a nugget, it is usually just some dust but I collect it. Once in awhile I put it on a scale and weigh it and find progress.

I am jealous of those who got to express their identity in their workplace. That would have been wonderful.

[herbgeek]

Are you an engineer because you're that way or are you that way because you're an engineer?" :)

Hahaha I think it's the former for me.