Why You Should Never Base Your Worth on Your Job

Collaborative Post

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It’s always so important to have confidence in your job, right? But sometimes, society tries to make almost all of us feel ashamed for what we do. Unless you’re something major like the CEO of your own company (needs to be a big company too), a successful lawyer (who has a great reputation specifically), a doctor, a celebrity (a lot of requirements here), Michelin star chef, or an astronaut who’d been to outer space, most other jobs don’t really get much praise.

Sure, there are plenty of white-collar jobs that get a fairly decent reputation and don’t look so down on, but most blue-collar jobs or anything trade-related all seem to be thought lowly of.

Just about every blue-collar job you can think about is essential, right? For example, the role of a housekeeper job is so important not everyone has the time or even the health to clean their own home. COVID even proved that blue-collar work is needed, and yet again, with AI taking over white-collar jobs, it’s proven yet again how impactful and important blue-collar work is. But why are people doomed to feel ashamed of their jobs?

Not just blue-collar workers, but white-collar workers, too? You work hard, you’re doing an honest day's work, yet you feel like people don’t see your worth, so you can’t even see your worth.

But you are valuable, you are important, and your job isn’t you, and it’s not a reflection of who you are. Here’s why.

Your Job is Just One Slice of the Pie

When you base your worth on your job, you’re giving away your power to something external and often beyond your control. Jobs can change, companies can fold, and industries can evolve. Does that mean your worth changes with every career twist and turn? Absolutely not! Your value as a person is constant, regardless of your employment status.

The Dangerous Game of Comparisons

Let’s talk about comparisons. They say comparison is the thief of joy, and boy, were they right. When you measure your worth based on your job, you’re likely to compare yourself to others in your field or even to people in entirely different professions. It's a no-win game.

Maybe you have a friend who’s a high-flying lawyer or a tech wizard raking in the big bucks. It’s easy to feel less than if you’re not on a similar path. But here’s the thing: everyone’s journey is unique. What makes your friend's job cool for them doesn't necessarily mean it would be fulfilling for you. And let’s be real—every job has its ups and downs. That high-paying job might come with insane hours and stress levels that just aren’t your jam.

Society's Skewed Values

Now, let’s get into society’s often skewed values. Just like what was mentioned earlier, we live in a world that tends to glorify certain professions while undervaluing others. It’s like we have this invisible ranking system where doctors, lawyers, and CEOs sit at the top, and service workers, artists, and caretakers somehow fall lower on the scale. This is not only unfair but downright inaccurate.

Every role is essential in the grand scheme of things. The pandemic showed us how crucial so-called "low-status" jobs really are. The next time you see someone looking down on a restaurant worker or a cleaner, remind them that these folks keep the world turning.

Finding Worth Within

Here’s the big takeaway: true self-worth comes from within. It’s about knowing who you are, what you value, and what makes you tick. It’s about embracing your quirks, talents, and passions and not letting anyone tell you that you’re less than because of your job.

So, just go ahead and take some time to reflect on what makes you, well, YOU. Is it your kindness? Your creativity? Your ability to make people laugh? These qualities are the essence of who you are, and they can’t be captured by a job title. When you start valuing yourself for these intrinsic qualities, you’ll find a sense of peace and contentment that no job could ever provide.

Pursue Passion, Not Prestige

Last, but this is far from the least, this needs to be covered. So many of us chase prestigious jobs because we think they’ll bring us happiness and validation. But here’s a little secret: a prestigious job without passion can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. On the flip side, pursuing a career that aligns with your passions and values, even if it’s not considered "prestigious," can bring immense joy and fulfillment.

—End of collaborative post—