I was thinking about…

The Freedom of Being More Than Your Job Title
by Andy Lee

I’ve always loved what I do. Working in healthcare, especially in surgery as a Surgical First Assistant, has been a deeply rewarding part of my life. There’s nothing quite like being part of a team that changes lives. I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to contribute in this way. But there came a pivotal moment when I realized that what I do isn’t who I am. And that realization was the most liberating day of my life.

We often wear our professions like armor, or worse, like a name tag that tells the world everything they need to know about us. “Oh, you’re in surgery? Wow, you must be smart.” “You work in healthcare? That’s amazing.” But these labels, as impressive or noble as they may seem, only scratch the surface of who we truly are. They are just a small part of the mosaic of our identities.

Don’t get me wrong—I take immense pride in my work. But my value, my essence, cannot be fully captured by a job title or a line on a resume. The day I decided not to be defined by my profession was the day I truly understood freedom. Suddenly, I was more than the scrubs I wore or the procedures I assisted with. I was free to explore interests, embrace other aspects of my personality, and connect with people on a deeper level beyond what I “do.”

Society often encourages us to measure our worth by our productivity, our job status, or our accomplishments. It’s an easy trap to fall into, especially when we’re surrounded by others who seem to have it all together—or at least, that’s the perception. But you are not defined by what you do. Yes, your career is a significant part of your life, but it’s not your entire story. It’s one chapter, not the whole book.

There is so much more to each of us. We are friends, parents, dreamers, creators, and adventurers. We’re defined by the kindness we show, the challenges we overcome, and the connections we make. Our worth isn’t determined by the hours we put in at work or the titles we hold but by the way we live and love.

So, if you’re feeling boxed in by the expectations of your job or pressured to define yourself by your occupation, take a step back. Reflect on who you are beyond your profession. What lights you up? What passions have you set aside? What relationships need nurturing? Remember that your career, while important, is not the sum of your existence. You are infinitely more than your job title.

Stay true, keep exploring. 💫