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i resonated with this so hard. being a leo, wearing many different hats within each aspect of life (especially the daughter hat omg), and looking for a job. i've been struggling recently with where i want to move in my "career" (especially when i don't think i necessarily fit in with the "traditional" mode of working.) i definitely agree that applying for jobs and taking steps in our lives are acts of vulnerability and that's what makes taking these risks so daunting, honestly. i genuinely admire you for being open and *vulnerable* about vulnerability. i'm wishing you much support and success in finding things that fit in with your true self <3

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Tamryn, the struggle is so real! I hope you're being kind to yourself on your job search, and managing all the things that come with that and just ... living life. Thank you for reading, and hope there's some solace knowing that you're not alone <3

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loved this ♥️ thank you for sharing

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I stumbled upon your post, and it stirred some meaningful thoughts for me. Your bit about how much of your identity pie chart your career occupies contrasted with me, whose career often feels like the crust, the custard, and the tin. There was something reassuring in reading that your proportions differ--maybe as a potential promise that it need not always be that way for me but also as a reminder of how universal that struggle to define ourselves can be.

I’ve been using Substack for years without ever clicking the search button and spinning the roulette wheel but I am glad that I read this post. I too am a big “be vulnerable” person (writing for Substack is my platform for just that!) so I always admire people who aim for the same. Thanks for sharing with the world.

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So glad the Substack roulette spun you my way, Michael!

Most of the people in my life have a bigger slice of pie for career, and I think that's what I've always been nudged toward, too. But, it just never stuck. Maybe because of me seeing how hard one can work, and it not leading to a fulfilling life, or seeing other proportions modelled for me in books, media, etc.? Who knows!?

> a reminder of how universal that struggle to define ourselves can be

And, I think this is truly human nature, the seeking to define and identify ourselves in the grand scheme of ... things.

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