A career identity is a structure of meanings in which the individual links his own motiviation, interests and competencies with acceptable career roles.In modern society individuals are becoming responsible for their own work allocation. In order to overcome an increasing social and work-related insecurity, they not only have to acquire specific career skills but also a so-called "career identity".
When we enter the world of traditional employment, we're given a job title, sometimes a job description, we belong to a department and we have a person who manages us. We're put in our 'place' from day one. And while our characteristics, values, education, social and family influences all inevitably form part of how we go about doing our job, somewhere along the way our identity can get lost in all the labels that we're given at work.
Career Identity: What you do best, what fulfills you, and what you can give to your work life.
To find your career identity, think about:
- What skill sets, knowledge or interests do you want to use?
- What activities or interests help you feel fulfilled?
- What do you want to give to your community or work environment?
Think about your current and past jobs. What did you like about them? What types of duties or projects did you enjoy most? What skills did you like using? What type of people did you like working with or helping? The answers to these questions will help you to clarify your career identity.
Next, think about ways you can make your current job fit your career identity. Any new projects you can work on, or skills that you need to learn?
Are you happy in your job or career? Or are you feeling increasingly unfulfilled and disillusioned? According to a survey by a top firm, as many as 80% of us are unhappy in our jobs. And yet, while you may feel like your role isn't a great fit, it's not always easy to pinpoint why, or to understand what type of job (or even career) would make you happy.
So instead we sight ourselves, learn to dread Mondays and carry on. But it doesn't have to be that way. But if you don't feel good about what you contribute, enjoy what you do, or know how you ended up where you are; if you question your purpose, conform to what others want you to think and lose sight of your values, then your true identity and authentic self will start to get lost.
How to discover your authentic career identify
So how can you get clear on your authentic career identity? Here are three things that will help you start to understand what really matters to you:
1) Explore your passions and interests:
Spend time reconnecting with passions you've lost touch with. What did you love spending your time doing when you were 7, 13, 18, 24 times before the strains of responsibility got in the way of what was natural to you?
2) Get clear on what you're brilliant at:
Ask people who matter to you what they think are your greatest strengths. There's bound to be some nice surprises in there!
3) Get under the skin of your values:
Our values shape so much of who we are, our actions, our decisions. When we're honouring those values we feel happy and fulfilled. And when we don't, we can feel miserable and uneasy.
Does your career allow you to honour your values, use your strengths and spark your passions and allow you to be your true self? If not, maybe it's time for a change!
Like any new endeavor, working with a coach can be challenging and even a little scary. But if you're brave, committed and curious, you'll find your coaching relationship can be a powerful catalyst to becoming the person you most want to be.
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