The Good Enough Job

Develop your identity beyond work

Instructions

Establish work-life boundaries.
Work is not everything. Reflect on what specific boundaries might work for your lifestyle, like defining specific times when you are working and where you are not. This separation allows room for other elements of your life to thrive. For example, decide not to check work emails after 7 PM or dedicate weekends solely to family and hobbies.
Explore varied interests and pastimes.
What hobbies have you been wanting to explore? Engage in activities unrelated to your work to develop different aspects of your personality. This could be anything from painting, reading fiction, or playing a sport. These activities can provide a refreshing break from your professional life and enhance your overall happiness and satisfaction.
Cultivate personal relationships.
Invest time and effort in maintaining relationships with family and friends who value you for who you are beyond your job. These relationships can be a source of support and joy, independent of your professional successes. You can do this by scheduling regular meet-ups or calls and simply being present during these interactions.
Recognize your worth beyond work.
Understand that your self-worth is not solely determined by professional accomplishments or the opinions of your peers at work. Let yourself celebrate personal milestones that are unrelated to your career, such as personal fitness goals or creative projects. This mindset can help maintain your self-esteem during professional setbacks.
View change as a chance to evolve.
See career transitions, whether chosen or forced, as opportunities to grow and explore new directions. For instance, a job loss could be a chance to pursue a long-standing passion or consider a career pivot that might seem risky but rewarding. Ask yourself, what other interests or skills do I have that could lead to new professional opportunities?