Your Job Title is NOT Your Identity

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Hey Full-Stack Marketers,

What do you do?

A seemingly harmless question that can send many into an existential spiral. Why? Because we’ve been taught to intertwine our jobs with our entire identity. But here’s the reality: your job title at X Company should NOT define you. What should? You as a friend, as a partner, and as a person.

From childhood, we’ve been conditioned to chase a dream job as if it's the ultimate goal. But what if you don’t have one? And what if that’s totally okay?

If you've ever felt uneasy about this, you're not alone. In Episode 49 of Demoted, Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job, breaks down why entangling self-worth with your career is dangerous.

Many professionals fall into the trap of measuring their value solely by their job title or their employer’s prestige. This mindset can make career transitions difficult, cause burnout, and limit your potential. The key is shifting your focus toward what truly defines you: your skills, experiences, and contributions beyond a job title.

Your career can shift, companies change, and layoffs happen. But what remains? Your personal brand.

• It makes you future-proof: You own your achievements, not just your company’s success.

• It creates opportunities: Recruiters, clients, and potential employers see your value, not just your title.

• It gives you career control: Instead of being defined by a role, you define your expertise.

When you take ownership of your personal brand, you create a career path that isn’t entirely dependent on one company or position. You build a professional identity that follows you, no matter where you go.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

• 1 in 3 recruiters admit they hire based on personal brand alone.

• 95% of employers believe that a strong personal brand positively influences hiring decisions.

• 70% of professionals say their online presence helped them land better job offers.

(Source: LinkedIn & CareerBuilder Studies)

Many people overthink personal branding, assuming they need a massive following or viral content. In reality, it’s about consistently showing up and demonstrating your expertise in an authentic way. Here’s where to start:

1. Recognize your existing skills: If you've developed another person’s thought leadership—such as your CEO’s profile—then you already know how to do it for yourself. Shift that expertise inward.

2. Step into the spotlight: Yes, putting yourself out there can feel uncomfortable, but remember—most people are too caught up in their own social media presence to judge yours. The hardest part is starting.

3. Showcase achievements: Instead of only listing responsibilities at work, highlight the impact you’ve made. What results did you drive? What problems did you solve?

4. Engage and share: Comment on industry trends, ask insightful questions, and contribute to discussions.

5. Create value: Write blog posts, record short-form videos, or share case studies to showcase your knowledge.

6. Develop a portfolio: Even if you don’t work in a traditionally creative field, document your achievements, projects, and key contributions in a simple, accessible format.

7. Refine your LinkedIn Profile: Optimize your headline to reflect your expertise rather than your job title. Update your summary to focus on what you bring to the table.

8. Speak at events or podcasts: Position yourself as an industry expert by sharing insights at webinars, meetups, or even joining podcasts.

9. Network with purpose: Build meaningful relationships by engaging in professional communities and attending events.

10. Own your narrative: Be intentional about how you talk about your skills and experience. Your identity is more than a title; define what you bring to the table in a way that reflects your strengths.

The Pillars of a Strong Personal Brand

Work is important, but it’s not your whole life. Your career should support your lifestyle, not define it. The danger of tying your identity solely to your job is that it leaves you vulnerable—if that job disappears, what’s left?

Personal branding ensures that your professional identity is built on who you are and what you do, not just where you work. It allows you to pivot, evolve, and explore different opportunities without feeling like you’re losing your identity in the process.

Think about this: If your company name and job title were stripped away, what would be left of your professional identity? Post one thing about your expertise that has nothing to do with your job title. Share an insight, a lesson, or a story.

Your career is yours. Make sure you’re building something that works for you.

Until next time, and always with love,
Eugenia Gallo

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