"キャリアは自分がなりたいと思っている人だと錯覚させるものだ"

Sometimes, we get so caught up in our jobs that we start to believe that our professional personas are our true selves. The idea here is simple: your career can trick you into thinking that the role you play at work defines who you are. It's like you wear a mask so often that you forget what your real face looks like.

Historically, this concept has always been relevant but perhaps never more so than in the modern world where careers often consume a significant portion of our lives. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen people become more career-focused, often at the expense of personal identity. Think about the 'Mad Men' era, where characters like Don Draper are the epitome of this struggle—fully consumed by their work personas, often to their own detriment.

Let's take a real-life example. Imagine Sarah, a corporate lawyer who's been at a prestigious firm for over a decade. She's known for her rigor, her no-nonsense attitude, and her impressive track record. Over time, Sarah starts to see herself solely through her professional achievements. She’s “Sarah, the lawyer” first and foremost. But then, she takes a sabbatical and travels for a few months, spending time doing things that have nothing to do with law. She volunteers at a local school, picks up painting, and reconnects with old friends. She starts to realize that “Sarah, the lawyer” is just one slice of who she is. The roles she’s played at work were just that—roles. They’re part of her, but not the whole story.

So how do you apply this bit of wisdom? First, take a step back and really look at what you do versus who you are. It’s easy to blur the lines. Make time for activities and people that remind you of your multifaceted nature. Whether it’s a hobby, a side project, or just spending time with family and friends who don’t care about your job title, make sure you’re nurturing parts of yourself that have nothing to do with your career.

Here’s a scenario that might help drive the point home: Picture Jim, an executive at a large company. Jim's life is a whirlwind of meetings, business trips, and late-night emails. One day, his company downsizes and Jim is let go. Initially, he feels lost and even worthless. His identity has been so wrapped up in his job that he's forgotten other parts of himself. But then, Jim starts spending more time with his kids, starts woodworking—a hobby he loved as a young man—and even joins a local running club. Slowly but surely, he begins to feel whole again. He realizes he’s more than just his job title; he’s a father, an athlete, an artisan.

So, take some time to think about what makes you, "you." Don't let your career fool you into thinking that’s all there is. Embrace the full spectrum of who you are. It might just make you better at everything you do—including your job.