Why Your Self-Worth Can’t Be Attached to a Job
For many years I tied my self-worth to a job.
It all started with wanting to accomplish the dream of working in media, and when that dream was snatched away, I felt lost and unhappy.
Instead of seeing that moment as an opportunity to learn to detach the idea of measuring my self-worth to a job, I ran away from it to find a job in the U.S.
I was young and didn’t really take the time to see the results of my decision.
Fast forward to now, I’m happy to say that I’ve learned my lesson of not tying my self-worth into my career and success.
As a platform that amplifies inspiring Latina figures who are living their dreams, it’s important to always remind you to not place your value on a scale and be discouraged by the current moment that you find yourself in.
It’s normal to fall into the mentality of placing our value on having a job, being promoted, and receiving a raise. We spend 8 hours (even more since WFH) of our day giving our all into a role that makes us feel appreciated.
Here at Ellas, we are big supporters of feeling proud of your work and the positive impact it has brought into your life and our communities. It’s also crucial to not surrender yourself to your role and to remember that our self-worth comes within.
The consequence of attaching your self-worth to a job comes when you’re suddenly jobless and feel marooned.
In the second year anniversary episode of Ellas, I share how I felt lost after I had lost my first job right after university. The second time I was jobless I was able to shift my perspective and start a new path that has given me more joy and discover a meaningful purpose that has fueled me.
For so many that find themselves unemployed, I know how hard of a journey it has been and I also want to remind you that you are more than your job and it doesn’t define you as a human being. You are enough, just as you are.
Since I’m also a big advocate of incorporating helpful actions to not fall into the trap of despair or discouragement during this time, I want to share three practices that will help you in your journey.
Being Grateful
It’s hard to see the good things we have in life when we’re focused on what we don’t have. To help you avoid this, it’s always important to remind yourself of acknowledging the good things that you have in your life!
Take ten minutes out of your day to journal and write down three things you’re grateful for. When you write it down it’s easy to enjoy the great experiences you had for that day, pushing through adversity and growing stronger relationships with yourself and others.
I’ll share three things I’m grateful for:
I’m alive
My parent’s are healthy
I'm surrounded by supportive friends and family
2. Do What Brings You Joy
We’re going to have those days where we don’t feel grateful for the situation we’re in and that’s okay!
On those hard days what I love to do is focus on activities that bring me joy. When I’m doing things that fuel my soul, it automatically improves my day and mood. Trust me, they don’t have to be profound.
It can be eating a Nutella sandwich and watching Call the Midwife (something I’ve been doing lately). Perhaps it’s art journaling, drinking coffee in the morning, listening to your favorite album.
This is all about doing your favorite things! And if you want to take it a step further, write them down for the next time you’re not feeling grateful and need a little pick-me-up!
3. Self-Worth Affirmations
There comes a time we need to shake ourselves a bit and a good way to do that is by saying affirmations that remind us that we are worthy! Check out these self-worth affirmations below and I encourage you to save them for next time you need a good shake!
Don’t forget that you are enough and like everything else, it will be a journey to embrace your self-worth.
Let me know what practices you use when cultivating your self-worth in the comments below!