So, What Do You Do? Our Identities vs Our Careers

Your job title can make introductions easier, but it can also quietly take over your identity. In this episode, I’m digging into what happens when we tie our self-worth to corporate roles, company logos, and the status that comes with them, then suddenly realize it feels unsettling or empty.After leaving the corporate world and starting my own solo consulting business as a fractional CMO, I ran straight into a strange reality: without the corporate infrastructure around me, my title didn’t carry the same weight or even make sense to most people. That awkward “So what do you do?” moment became a mirror, forcing a bigger question about professional identity and career reinvention. I also look at how prestige shapes perception, why certain brands spark instant interest, and how easy it is to confuse public recognition with real purpose.I talk about the identity shock that can hit after layoffs, downsizing, or restructuring, especially for leaders who invested years in one company and wake up without the role that defined them. Finally, I discuss why this isn’t just a late-career issue; younger professionals are questioning whether climbing a corporate ladder is worth it and considering entrepreneurship, independent consulting, and building a business earlier on.Beyond Expertise is about creating an authentic identity aligned with your values, goals, and the value you want to bring to others. If you’re ready to stop being held hostage by a title and start building a career on your terms, subscribe, share this with a friend who’s in transition, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What would you say you do if you couldn’t use your job title?Send questions or commentsFor more information and insights from Beyond Expertise, visit https://podcast.ericdickmann.com/Be sure to check out Eric's other show, The Virtual CMO podcast.