How to detach yourself from work

You are more than your job description

When I graduated from university, I became a website designer. There were no specific reasons; it just happened to be a skill I was 'good' at. Over the next few years, whenever someone asked about my profession, I immediately responded, "I am a designer."

The problem: It wasn't just a response—it became a part of my identity.

But the more I delved into my career, the more I realized that identifying so closely with my job wasn’t always healthy. It's essential to understand that while our professions play a significant role in our lives, they don't entirely define us.

It took me years to finally realize that I can be whatever I want to be. As long as I put an effort towards it. Here are some strategies I’ve learned to detach from work and see myself beyond my job description.

There's life outside of work

One of the most effective ways to detach from your job identity is to cultivate hobbies and interests outside work. Whether painting, writing, hiking, or spending time with loved ones, these activities can help you develop a sense of identity beyond your profession.

For me, you can guess it, I spent some time writing and drawing until I became confident enough to call myself a comic strip artist. I also took other hobbies, such as analog photography and learning a new language.

Your life outside of work won't find you unless you go out and learn new stuff. You have to find your own life outside of work.

Work-life boundary

Set clear boundaries for when work starts and ends. It might be as simple as setting strict hours when you’re “on” and “off” or having a dedicated workspace that you leave when the workday is done. These physical and mental boundaries help you separate your professional and personal life.

These days it's getting hard to separate the physical space between work and life because some of us need to work from home, and there isn't a lot of space at home. I wear a "work outfit" when I'm working and change to a "home outfit" when I'm done with work.

The values you believe in

Remembering what you truly value in life can help you maintain perspective. For some, it's family; for others, it might be personal growth, health, or community involvement. You can find fulfillment outside of your work when you align your actions with your values.

I learned about my values when I started to share my stories online and help others validate their feelings. I want to be involved in communities and help people to feel normal living a normal life. From then on it's pretty clear that work won't help me focus on those values. That's why I will always write, draw, and publish on The Tiny Wisdom, because it brings me joy.

Reintroduce Yourself

The next time someone asks what you do, consider sharing a hobby or passion instead of leading with your job title. For instance, "I love hiking and exploring new trails. Oh, and I also work as a designer."

Take breaks, go on vacations, and, most importantly, unplug from the digital world. It's beneficial for our mental health to disconnect from work emails, chats, and notifications to recharge fully.

Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings and identity outside of work. Sometimes, an external perspective can help you see things in a new light and remind you of who you are beyond your job.

Recognizing that you are more than your job description is crucial for mental well-being and personal growth. As you navigate the complexities of work and life, remember that your worth isn't tied solely to your profession. You are a multifaceted individual with unique experiences, passions, and values that make you who you are.

Embrace all parts of yourself, not just the title on your business card.

I hope you find this post inspiring. Remember,

It's not going to be easy
But it's not impossible

Your friend,
Brian.