Working Identity

1. Career change is a process of identity transformation, not just job switching

We learn who we are—in practice, not in theory—by testing reality, not by looking inside.

Identity is fluid. Changing careers involves fundamentally reshaping our sense of who we are, not just finding a new job title. This transformation happens gradually as we explore new possibilities, test different roles, and integrate new experiences into our self-concept. The process is often messy and non-linear, involving periods of excitement, confusion, and self-doubt.

Practice over planning. Rather than trying to find our "true self" through introspection alone, we discover our evolving identity through action and experience. This means:

• Trying out new activities and roles, even if they seem unfamiliar
• Paying attention to what energizes us and what drains us
• Being open to surprising discoveries about our capabilities and desires
• Allowing our sense of identity to shift as we gather new information

The goal is not to swap one fixed identity for another, but to engage in an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery throughout our careers.

2. Explore possible selves through action, not introspection

To launch ourselves anew, we need to get out of our heads. We need to act.

Generate possibilities. Instead of trying to find the one "right" career, focus on exploring multiple potential paths. Create a list of possible selves – different versions of who you might become professionally. These could include both realistic options and more imaginative scenarios.

Test and learn. The key is to move quickly from imagining possibilities to testing them in the real world:

• Take on small projects or volunteer roles in areas of interest
• Attend industry events or conferences outside your current field
• Shadow professionals in roles you're curious about
• Take classes or workshops to develop new skills

As you engage in these activities, pay attention to:

• Which tasks and environments feel energizing?
• What new strengths or interests do you discover?
• How do different roles align with your values and lifestyle goals?

Remember that the goal is not to find immediate answers, but to gather data that will inform your evolving sense of identity and career direction.

3. Embrace the "in-between" period of transition and uncertainty

It's always ugly in the middle.

Liminality is normal. The period between leaving an old identity and fully embracing a new one is often uncomfortable and disorienting. This "in-between" state is a necessary part of the transition process. During this time, you may feel:

• A loss of status or clear professional identity
• Conflicting desires to hold onto the familiar and embrace the new
• Anxiety about the future and doubt about your decisions

Strategies for the middle:

• Recognize that discomfort is a sign of growth, not failure
• Allow yourself time to process emotions and adjust to change
• Seek support from others who have gone through similar transitions
• Focus on small steps forward rather than having everything figured out
• Use the uncertainty as an opportunity for exploration and self-discovery

Remember that this phase is temporary. By staying engaged in the process, you'll eventually move towards greater clarity and a new sense of identity.

4. Craft small experiments to test new career possibilities

Crafting experiments allows us to move, even if gradually, from exploration to confirmation, the only way to avoid becoming stuck, like many would-be career changers, in the daydreaming stage.

Design low-risk tests. Instead of making dramatic leaps, create small, manageable experiments to explore new career directions:

• Take on a side project in an area of interest
• Volunteer for a relevant organization
• Attend a short course or workshop
• Shadow someone in a role you're curious about

Evaluate results. After each experiment, reflect on:

• What did you enjoy or find meaningful?
• What new skills or knowledge did you gain?
• How well does this align with your values and goals?
• What questions or possibilities does this raise for further exploration?

Use the insights from these experiments to refine your understanding of potential career paths and to inform your next steps. The goal is to gather real-world data about different options, rather than relying solely on imagination or assumptions.

5. Shift connections to support your evolving identity

The contacts that bring us new ideas and possibilities are not always immediate sources of comfort and reassurance. We must also venture into unknown networks—and not just for job leads.

Expand your network. As you explore new identities, seek out connections beyond your usual circles:

• Join professional associations in fields of interest
• Attend networking events or conferences in new industries
• Reach out to alumni or contacts working in areas you want to explore
• Find mentors or role models who embody the type of career you aspire to

Leverage weak ties. Often, the most valuable connections for career change come from acquaintances or "weak ties" rather than close friends or colleagues. These individuals are more likely to:

• Expose you to new information and opportunities
• Challenge your assumptions about what's possible
• Provide a fresh perspective on your skills and potential

Be prepared for some discomfort as you build these new relationships. They may not immediately validate your existing identity, but they can be crucial in supporting your growth and transformation.

6. Make sense of your journey through storytelling and reflection

Since often we don't know exactly where we are going or what the critical events along the way will be, the story will necessarily go through many iterations before it is finalized.

Craft your narrative. As you navigate career change, develop a story that makes sense of your journey:

• Identify key experiences and turning points
• Reflect on how your values and priorities have evolved
• Articulate the common threads that connect your past and future

Iterate and refine. Your story will evolve as you gain new experiences and insights:

• Practice telling your story to others and notice their reactions
• Be open to new interpretations of past events
• Look for patterns and themes that emerge over time

Your evolving narrative serves several purposes:

• Helps you make meaning of your experiences
• Guides your decision-making about next steps
• Allows you to articulate your unique value to potential employers or clients

Remember that the goal is not to create a perfectly polished story, but to use storytelling as a tool for self-understanding and growth.

7. Allow for deep change in your underlying assumptions and priorities

To reinvent ourselves, we must live through a period of transition in which we rethink and reconfigure a multitude of possibilities.

Question core beliefs. True career reinvention often requires examining and updating fundamental assumptions about:

• What defines success in your life and work
• How you relate to organizations and institutions
• The role of work in your overall life balance
• Your beliefs about your own capabilities and potential

Embrace discomfort. Challenging long-held beliefs can be unsettling, but it's often necessary for meaningful change:

• Be willing to let go of outdated self-concepts
• Explore new ways of defining your worth beyond job titles or salary
• Consider how your priorities may have shifted due to life experiences

This deeper level of change takes time and often happens in stages. Be patient with yourself and recognize that wrestling with these fundamental questions is an important part of the reinvention process.

8. Seize windows of opportunity, but be patient with the overall process

Windows of opportunity open and close back up again. We go through periods when we are highly receptive to major change and periods when even incremental deviations are hard to tolerate.

Recognize opportune moments. Certain times may be particularly conducive to career change:

• After completing a major project or achieving a long-term goal
• During organizational restructuring or industry shifts
• Following significant life events (e.g., relocation, becoming a parent)
• When feeling a strong sense of dissatisfaction or stagnation

Take action during these windows. When you sense an opening for change:

• Be prepared to move quickly on opportunities that align with your evolving goals
• Communicate your desire for new challenges or responsibilities
• Take calculated risks to push yourself out of your comfort zone

Balance urgency and patience. While it's important to seize opportunities, remember that career reinvention is a long-term process:

• Most significant transitions take 3-5 years from initial questioning to full implementation
• Allow time for exploration, experimentation, and integration of new identities
• Be willing to take interim steps or make partial changes as you work towards larger goals

By combining a readiness to act with patience for the overall journey, you can navigate career change more effectively.

9. Integrate your new identity across all aspects of your life

Reinvention ripples through many layers of our lives.

Holistic transformation. Career change often impacts multiple areas of life:

• Relationships: How you interact with family, friends, and colleagues
• Lifestyle: Daily routines, time management, and work-life balance
• Values: What you prioritize and how you make decisions
• Self-perception: How you see yourself and present yourself to others

Strategies for integration:

• Communicate openly with loved ones about your evolving identity and goals
• Adjust your environment to support new habits and ways of working
• Seek out communities and activities that align with your new direction
• Update your personal brand (e.g., online profiles, how you introduce yourself)

Remember that true reinvention goes beyond just changing job titles. It involves aligning your whole self – personal and professional – with your new direction. This integration takes time and may involve some trial and error, but it's essential for creating lasting and meaningful change in your career and life.

Last updated: October 22, 2024