AAC - Work - Career Uncertainty or Change - Self-Worth & Job Identity - Q4 (Alessandra)

What role do relationships play in identity balance?

Transcript

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When your job feels uncertain or changes, it can shake more than just your routine. For a lot of people, work becomes tied to how they see themselves, and one of the quieter things that gets affected is how your relationships feel. So when you're not sure who you are in your career, it can blur how you show up with people around you too. Now, relationships actually play a big role in helping you stay grounded in who you are beyond your job title. The people in your life, whether that's friends, family, a partner, or colleagues, often reflect back parts of you that have nothing to do with what you do for work, as they know your values, your humour, and how you handle hard things. And those things don't just disappear when your job changes. It can also help to notice which relationships feel like they're based on what you do versus who you are. As some connections are genuinely role-based and that's fine, but others connect with you as a person and leaning into those during uncertain times can just quietly remind you that your worth isn't only tied to your career. Now, practically, this might look like being honest with someone you trust about what you're going through. You don't need to have it all figured out before you have that conversation. Just by naming it opens up that dialogue. And often people around you want to support you but don't know that you need it. And it can also help to stay connected socially even when you feel like we're drawing, as career uncertainty can push people inward, but isolation tends to make the identity wobble a lot worse. And if there are relationships in your life where you feel reduced to your job or where you feel pressured to have things sorted, it's worth noticing that because you are allowed to set the pace of what you share and with who you share it with. Now, if you are finding that your sense of identity feels really fragile right now or that relationships are feeling strained because of where you're at with work, speaking to a counsellor can really help. A GP can refer you, or you can access support directly through organisations like the NHS Talking Therapy Service or through your employee assistance program. Now, for further support around self worth, identity, and navigating career change, take a look at the resources available in the app. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or you're feeling safe right now, then please reach out for urgent help by contacting your local emergency service or a crisis helpline.