Engaging in conversation with a new acquaintance often prompts the question, "What is your profession?". This common icebreaker allows individuals to open up about their work, which often constitutes a significant part of their identity. However, it is essential to note the distinction between your professional life and personal self. These boundaries can become blurred, particularly among individuals who work extensive hours or feel obligated to be continually accessible. This intertwining of professional and personal identities may lead to exhaustion, decreased productivity, and general discontent in both the workplace and personal life.

This article delves into the concept of professional identity, underlining the critical importance of differentiating self-esteem from professional achievements. It also provides guidance on prioritizing this separation in everyday life to foster positive sentiment towards one's job.

Whether your profession is education, marketing, or finance, it's not uncommon to associate your entire identity with your job. After all, you have chosen this career path for specific reasons. However, this hasn't always been the case. Traditionally, professions were inherited, passed down from generation to generation. With the increased variety of career choices now available, individuals often embrace the assumptions attached to these roles. For instance, physicians may appreciate the perception of their high education level and income potential. This is where the concept of a professional identity comes into play.

According to research published in the International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, "Professional identity is a construct of meaning where an individual associates their motivations, interests, and capabilities with acceptable career objectives". The societal shift towards valuing hard work and industriousness has prompted us to strongly identify with our professions, even making them our sole identity in many instances.

Although we might believe that a particular job title or profession will lead to happiness, usually, more is needed. As stated by Timothy O'Brien in his book "When Your Work Is Your Identity", professional failures can sting significantly. The aim should be to find a role where you feel a sense of belonging and satisfaction. This will likely result in a more robust sense of wellbeing in your workplace, along with increased positive sentiments about your work. This is critical since, according to the Indeed Workplace Wellbeing Report, 90% of employees report that their workplace feelings matter, and nearly 90% say their workplace happiness influences their home life mood. Occupational wellbeing also impacts self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life. Therefore, it's vital to differentiate your professional identity from your personal identity. Doing so can offer substantial benefits for your wellbeing and professional life, including increased productivity, a robust sense of self-worth, more fulfilling work, and a better work-life balance.

Aligning your job and self-esteem requires continuous focus. Directing your attention towards daily life can help ensure positive occupational wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance, contributing to a happier life at work and at home. To find this balance and distinguish your identities, begin by discussing potential adjustments to your work schedule or responsibilities with your supervisor. If you're still feeling unsatisfied, it may be time to consider a new job. Whether in your current role or a new one, the following tips can guide you towards segregating your professional identity from your personal one:

1. Identify Your Workplace Values As your workplace emotions impact your home life, it's critical to align your personal values with your company's values. This alignment will help maintain your motivation and a sense of inclusivity, ultimately leading to higher job satisfaction.
2. Redefine Your Success Consider broadening your definition of success to include non-work related accomplishments. This mindset adjustment will help you place higher priority on personal fulfilment.
3. Set Boundaries Consider what you need to perform your job effectively and feel content at home, and set boundaries accordingly. Once you've identified these needs, communicate them to your supervisor or potential employers.
4. Engage in Activities that Bring You Joy If your life feels overrun by work, consciously make time for activities you enjoy. This will provide a sense of self-fulfilment and serve as a refresher for your professional life.
5. Prioritize Self-Care Taking care of your mental and physical health is a key aspect of distinguishing your self-esteem from your work and focusing on overall wellbeing. Regular exercise, meditation, adequate sleep, and maintaining open communication about your wellbeing at work are all crucial elements of self-care.

If your stress persists, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Many companies offer employee assistance programs or benefits that provide access to mental health services. Such resources can help you manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and decouple your self-esteem and personal identity from your work.