This content originally appeared on HackerNoon and was authored by BenoitMalige
(Even When Life Dropkicks You in the Face)
\ You know that hollow feeling when something falls apart and you suddenly have no idea who you are anymore?
\ Yeah—been there.
\ For years, my identity was my business.
\ It was my purpose, my personality, my status, my therapy, my everything.
\ Until it wasn’t.
\ When I stepped away, I didn’t just lose a job—I lost myself.
\ No title. No daily structure. No adrenaline from closing deals.
\ Just silence, and a growing voice in my head asking:
\ "So… what now?"
\ That’s when I discovered something that changed how I see identity forever:
\ Identity diversification. (Yes, it sounds like something from your financial advisor. But hear me out.)
What the Hell Is Identity Diversification?
It’s exactly what it sounds like:
\ Don’t bet your entire sense of self on one thing.
\ When all your identity eggs are in one basket—your job, your relationship, your role as a parent, or your six-pack—it only takes one hit to send you spiraling.
\ It’s fragile. And fragility breaks.
\ Resilient people?
\ They build multiple identity pillars—so when one crumbles, the whole thing doesn’t collapse.
Think of It Like This:
Your life is a table.
\ Every identity—friend, writer, builder, traveler, son, surfer, whatever—is a leg.
\ A table with one leg? Wobbly as hell. A table with five? You could throw a bowling ball at it and it’ll still stand.
\ That’s the point.
How to Build More Legs (Without Losing Your Mind)
Step 1: Audit Your Identity
Ask yourself:
\ “If I stopped doing what I do today, who would I be tomorrow?
\ ”If the answer is “I have no f***ing clue,” welcome. You’re not alone. And it’s time to expand.
Step 2: Follow the Curiosity
Try this exercise:
\
What excites me outside of work?
\
Who energizes me? Who drains me?
\
What have I always wanted to try but talked myself out of?
\
What values do I want to live by (not just post on LinkedIn)?
\
What environments make me feel alive?
\
Then act on one thing.
\ Take a class. Start writing. Volunteer. Build something.
\ Go somewhere. Not for the money. Not for the followers. Just because it makes you you.
Step 3: Protect Your Identity from Burnout
This isn’t about doing more.
\ It’s about doing what fills your cup instead of draining it dry.
\ You don’t need 15 new hobbies. You need meaningful ones.
\ You don’t need more social events. You need authentic relationships.
\ Stay light. Stay curious. Stay aware.
A Quick Reality Check
There will be resistance.
\ You’ll feel guilty for “wasting time.
\ ”You’ll question whether it’s worth it.
\ You’ll think, “What’s the point if I’m not making money from it?”
\ Here’s the point:
\ You’re building a version of yourself that doesn’t collapse when one part of your life gets nuked.
\ That’s not luxury. That’s insurance.
Final Thought
Your identity should be like a well-balanced portfolio.
\ Diversified. Durable.
\ Resilient in the face of volatility.
\ Because your job isn’t promised.
\ Your six-pack won’t last.
\ And sometimes the things you love will fall apart.
\ But who you are?
\ That can’t be tied to one thing.
\ It has to be bigger.
\ Until next time,
\ Benoit
This content originally appeared on HackerNoon and was authored by BenoitMalige
BenoitMalige | Sciencx (2025-04-21T02:09:40+00:00) Your Career Is Not Your Personality. Sorry.. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/04/21/your-career-is-not-your-personality-sorry/
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