You Are Not Your Job

As educators (and other professionals) we find ourselves tying our identity to what we do for a living.  It happens very easily.  After all, what is the most common question that we ask one another when we meet for the first time?  What do you do for a living? Often, the opinion we begin to form about one another begins based upon that answer.  It’s been happening since people have been talking. It’s unavoidable. I’m not saying that shouldn’t happen, I’m writing this to remind you that you are more than your job.
 
You are a mother or father, or a brother or sister. You are a friend to others. You are someone’s child. You have a life away from your job. You have hobbies and interest. You have hopes and dreams. You probably inspire others without even realizing it. You are a complete person that is way more than your job.
 
So, this Thanksgiving break, when you find yourself struggling to find the balance of stepping away from work and feeling the need to work.  Please remember that you are not your job.  It’s okay if you have to work but you need to make plenty of time for the other things in life that matter to you. Set aside a couple of hours here and there to "work on work" if you need to do so, but when you step away from work, step away.  You owe that to yourself and those in your life that matter to you. Work will always be there but moments with your loved ones will not.
 
I am thankful for all of the dedicated people in the world that work really hard at what they do.  This world would not be the same without you and your efforts.  In order for you to continue doing what you do best, you need to give yourself a break.
 
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
 
Think. Achieve. Succeed.
 
Jeff