Your Job & Your Identity (Part 1)

Just like the expression you are what you eat, can the same be said when it comes to your work?

In truth, our daily job defines and influences who we are, whether we like it or not. This is a vast topic that PEPHER will explore in future articles over the next few months. 

In Part 1, the focus is the work environment and our psychological need for belonging. The people you work with have a big impact on your mood and self-esteem, especially when there are different ages, personalities and strata of society all cramped in the same room for hours & hours, day after day. For this reason, it can be difficult for some people to fit in with their work colleagues through no fault of their own or others. The office dynamic can be tricky to navigate and a sense of disconnect can affect work performance and even worse, mental health. 

So what do you do if you're stuck at a job where you feel like you don’t belong? Yes, you can fake it til you make it and play along with a string of pleasantries. But this is easier said than done. Most of the time, feeling like the black sheep on the team results in an unfulfilling workday, leading to negative emotions that eventually seep into your personal life. 

Here are 8 PEPHER tips that might help with finding a way to overcome the disconnect:

• Always remain professional and focus on perfecting the work that you do. That’s what you’re there for.
• Try to find some common ground with colleagues eg. children, dogs, tv shows, and keep conversations light & breezy.
• Set boundaries and don’t give away too much information about your own personal life. It’s okay to be private. 
• Stay pleasant even if at times you don’t agree with the conversations or attitudes around you. If you feel your heart sinking or your nerves start to grate, smile your way through it.
• Evaluate the job and how much experience you have gained. Is it time to spread your wings and find something more suitable? There is no harm in keeping an eye out for something else... timing is everything.
• Remember your mental health is number one. Don’t bottle it; talk to someone about how you feel. 
• Expand your extra curricular activities to take your mind off your work. Join a gym, take up a class, do an online course or start writing/journaling.
• Meditation might help with creating a shield against the negativity and unpleasantness you feel. There are lots of apps, videos and websites to get you started.

Remember, don’t let your job define you. If you feel yourself slipping into the workplace abyss, stop, take a deep breath and reacquaint yourself with the real and wonderful you.