Reflections
LinkedIn Identity Crisis
I took a look at my LinkedIn profile today. It made me laugh a bit, because I barely recognize that person. The photo, the accomplishments, the network, the work history, it all seems like it belongs to another person. And I guess, in a way, that’s the case. Because even as I’m still functioning in the corporate world, I’ve mentally and emotionally distanced myself from my professional stage of life. It’s a really strange feeling to detach from an identity you’re still inhabiting to some extent.
Awards from a Previous Era
As my parents aged and moved into a senior living apartment, they bestowed upon me a box of ribbons, medals and trophies from childhood sports. I was quite the athlete as a kid, and both team (e.g. soccer) and individual (competitive swimming) were critical in forming who I am (resilient, goal-oriented and able to simultaneously blend competition with cooperation). But, all of those awards just seemed like markers of achievement from a previous phase in life. It didn’t feel necessary to carry them into my next stage.
My Solution
Time for a Wild-Eyed Headshot?
Instead of feeling sad, I’m embracing this departure from the corporate “me”. I’m even considering getting a new headshot, one that’s less business and more authentically Sarah. My last two professional headshots were taken here on the homestead, but I was awkwardly draped in a business blouse, wearing tidy jewelry, and my curly hair was subdued. Bah humbug. I want that next photo to reflect the real me, the wild-haired hillbilly-hippie, slightly sunburned and blue eyes sparkling from a morning full of farm chores and a brisk hike with the dogs. I want people who know me well to see that photo and say: Wild and un-styled, that’s Sarah! Most likely with a dog nose nearby, and a chicken clucking in the background.
Reminder That It’s Time to Go
It’s incredible these days how little I care about what’s going on at the office, but I get awfully excited when a new pullet starts laying or my lovely red heritage carrots mature. It’s really frustrating, though, to feel so emotionally separated from my professional persona, but I still have to show up to work and pretend to give a crap. This can’t last forever. It’s not sustainable. So, whenever I’m tempted by opportunities to stay corporate and take another hard-driving role, I remind myself how miserable it is for me to stick around wearing my professional façade, and how necessary it is for me to break the link to that old me, firmly and finally.
Your Key Takeaway
Ditching Your Professional Doppelgänger
If looking at your LinkedIn profile feels like you’re looking at an old high school yearbook photo and thinking, “Wow, that was me?”, you’re not alone. That person on your LinkedIn profile represents a past version of you, someone who was deeply invested in a specific career path. The fact that you’ve mentally and emotionally moved on, even while still working, shows a significant shift in your identity. You’re now more focused on what’s next, rather than who you were professionally. This shift can be an exciting one, as it frees you to explore new possibilities and define yourself outside of your job title.