What’s Your Hashtag? Redefining Yourself Beyond Your Job Title
When someone asks what you do, how do you typically answer? For many of us, the default response is our job title. It’s a simple, socially accepted label. But does it capture the full, vibrant picture of who you are? What if we saw ourselves, and each other, not just through the lens of our profession, but through the combination of our work and the passions that truly light us up?
Introducing Your ‘Life Self’
Imagine a community where your identity is a blend of hashtags—one for your current job, and others for your deep-seated interests and passions. This isn't about separating two different people, but about integrating your 'work self' with your 'life self'. The skills you bring to your career are just one part of your story. The other chapters are written in your curiosity for landscape design, your talent for pottery, your love for wild swimming, or your dedication to community gardening...
By embracing this fuller picture, we move beyond one-dimensional introductions and begin to see the whole person. This blend is the foundation of a richer, more authentic network—one built not just on what we do for a living, but on what makes us feel alive.
The Architecture of Connection
When we share our passions, we design a new framework for connection. A network that values your interest in sustainable architecture as much as your role as a project manager becomes a powerful space for growth. In this ecosystem, we can connect with people who share our specific passions, forming groups that can meet both virtually and physically.
This creates incredible opportunities:
Find Your People: Connect with others in the network who share the same unique passion, fostering a genuine sense of community.
Learn and Grow: Discover coaches and mentors who can guide you in a specific area of interest, helping you nurture your talents.
Collaborate Naturally: Spark new ideas and projects with people you resonate with on a deeper level, far beyond the confines of a professional title.
This structure is about more than just networking; it’s about intentionally creating spaces for connection and personal growth, which are fundamental goals.
A Dynamic Ecosystem of Inspiration
Have you ever met someone so skilled or passionate about something that you instantly felt inspired to learn more? This is the dynamic energy that fuels a community built on shared interests. Seeing others' "hashtags" can ignite a spark within us, giving us the encouragement to prioritise a passion we’ve wanted to explore now or in the future.
Many of us have an almost unlimited list of things we’d love to pursue. When we are surrounded by people who are openly embracing their talents, it gives us permission to do the same. It creates a positive feedback loop where one person’s journey inspires another’s, and the wisdom gained is transmitted throughout the community.
Cultivating True Well-being
Ultimately, this approach to identity is about creating a life that feels whole. It’s an intentional shift away from a reality where work defines us, towards one where our well-being takes centre stage. True well-being is found in the things that bring us genuine happiness and sustained contentment.
By consciously focusing on our passions alongside our professions, we are nurturing the parts of ourselves that provide joy and fulfilment. It’s about building a life that doesn’t just look good on paper, but feels good to live—a life rich with purpose, connection, and good energy.
So, take a moment to reflect. Beyond your job title, what are the hashtags that define your life self?