Identity Crises: Who am I without my job title?

Identity Crises: Who am I without my job title?

Summary of Workshop given by Ellen Segal, Life Coach
June 8, 2009


Ellen gave us a short definition of coaching, warning that it makes a lot more sense when you do it rather than talk about it.

We introduced ourselves and spoke about how the workshop would be conducted.

We examined our feelings about being out of work. Some of us were sad, others bored and frustrated; some were relieved to be out of the rat race welcoming the time to re-charge their batteries, while others were lonely and missed the camaraderie of work We discovered that there are many feelings associated with being out of work and that we are not alone in these feelings.

Ellen shared an excerpt from a book that highlighted the feelings of loss and imbalance after leaving a job. This excerpt suggested that we begin to look at WHO we are instead of WHAT we are.

Ellen reminded us that the loss of a job title (WHAT we are) is not a loss of WHO we are. We each have a unique set of values and living by these values and making choices that honor our values determine who we are and who we will be.

Ellen explained how our values are what make us tick. And that our values are constant even when our circumstances change. So something that makes us feel good while at work doesn't have to stop being a part of our lives when we leave the job. We can use the exercises Ellen taught us to define those values that made us feel fulfilled at work and find ways to express those values outside of work so we can continue to lead satisfying lives.

Ellen led us through a visualization exercise. Using this exercise as a spring board, Ellen coached us into creating a list of our own unique values. We then chose 5 of our values and rated them from one to ten as to how they are being honored in our lives right now.

We picked one value that we wanted to show up more in our lives and through Ellen’s coaching we each came up with one action we can take this week to bring that value to the next number up on our scale. We read out our plan of action to the group, and when we were ready to commit to doing that action by next week and report back to Ellen that we had done so we stood up to a round of applause.

We learned that acting to bring our values into sharper focus in our lives will lead us to more fulfilling lives, whatever our present circumstances.

So, who are we without our job title? We are our values. And our values are what make our lives worth living and will guide us to our next stage in life.

Ellen Segal
"Yes, You Can!" Coaching
Because the power you seek is within you
+972-2-999-0546
ellensegal@netvision.net.il
Member of Israel Coaching Association