More Than a Title – Rediscovering Who I Am

As generations retire or move on from the workplace, I often observe a common theme—many feel unappreciated for everything they gave. And the truth is, sometimes they weren’t appreciated. Not fully.

They gave their all. Stayed late. Took work home. Missed moments with family and friends. All to ensure the company had what it needed to succeed.

For many of us, our identity has been wrapped up in our work. We’ve tied our worth to our job titles, to how busy we are, to the weight we carry on our shoulders.

Society encourages this. How often do you meet someone new and one of the first questions they ask is, “So, what do you do?” Not “Who are you?” or “What brings you joy?”—but “What do you do for a living?” And based on your answer, they decide how much respect you deserve.

But here’s the truth: titles come and go. And when they do, what are you left with?

What happens when you’re no longer “Manager,” “Director,” or “CEO”? What happens when no one needs you to stay late or answer that email at midnight? Does the title you wore for so long truly reflect the impact you’ve had on this earth?

And more importantly—was it worth the cost?

Because there is a cost. It’s your self-love. Your health. Time with your loved ones. Showing up for your community. Time spent doing the things that nourish your soul.

In this new chapter of my life, I’m learning who I truly am—not the résumé version, not the LinkedIn bio, but me. For years, I chased titles and money, thinking they would bring me purpose and validation. But now I realize everything I need will come in its time. Life is not a sprint.

So, these days, when someone asks me, “What do you do for a living?”—I smile.

Because what I do is no longer who I am. I’m more than a title. And so are you.

Shutanda