A short while back, I stumbled upon a video featuring a woman who candidly shared her life post-job loss. One particular moment she recounted hit me hard. She walks into a restaurant she used to frequent at work, settled into her usual spot, and took in her surroundings. As her gaze landed on the restaurant staff, a thought struck her - did they realize she wasn't the same person as the one who had been there yesterday? She was different now, stripped of a job, stripped of a title.

Her story stayed with me long after the video ended. It got me thinking about the transformation that takes place when that job title is removed. I've heard people talk about losing friends when jobs disappear. But how do we perceive ourselves without that defining title, that powerful position? This led me to ponder my own identity: Who am I without all these labels? If I shed the roles typically tied to my name, what would remain? Could I maintain my confidence and strength, still recognizing my inherent value?

As I contemplated this, I reflected on meaningful relationships in my life - from childhood friends to bonds nurtured in adulthood. Do the positions they hold define the shared laughter, the moments of support, and the love we share? The clear response was no. Their influence is intertwined with my identity, our connections extending beyond our professional roles

In a world fixated on the grandeur of job titles, it's all too easy to overlook the fact that our identities are not confined to the boundaries of our careers. We're more than engineers, doctors, consultants or managers. We are individuals driven by passions that set our souls on fire, engaging in activities that bring us the purest form of joy. Despite what we do being part of our identity, our worth isn't synonymous with the title printed on our business cards; it's mirrored in the connections we nurture, the kindness we radiate, and the lives we impact.

The journey of life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Economic upheavals can strip us of the titles we hold dear. But they can't strip away our essence, our spirit, or our inherent worth. So, as I watched that woman's narrative unfold on the screen, it struck me that titles are fleeting, while the very core of who we are remains eternal. Let her vulnerability serve as a guiding light, leading us to reflection and freedom. Let's realize that we aren't solely defined by the letters imprinted on our resumes, but by the authenticity with which we embrace our true selves.

While our professional endeavors play a role in shaping who we are, it's important to remember that our worth isn't solely determined by that. So, whether you carry a title or not, you remain the same person and you are more than enough.

Photo credit: Drazen Zigic - freepik