What takes light years to build and seconds to destroy? Yep. You guessed it. It’s your self-worth.
Especially your self-worth at work. Pause for the title of this piece:
Self-Worth and Your Job: They ain’t related
Read that again. They are not. So, don’t try to pair them up. They are not a match made in heaven, and they will self-sabotage.
Sidebar: This piece is best paired with Khalid’s “Know Your Worth.” Just have it on in the BG.
Let’s back up a bit, and look at what self-worth means in the workplace context. The way I understand it, it’s how valuable you think you are. It’s how you see yourself. At the macro-level, you evaluate your self-worth by measuring it with the value you bring to the table. And when others acknowledge and recognise your contribution, everything is at peace. But when dost them waters get murky? When others’ perceptions of you are not aligned with what you see, and you start doubting yourself.
Take me por ejemplo.
As a Copywriter (someone from the back shouts, “Senior Copywrite,” and I give the kind lady a sheepish smile), I question myself each time I don’t hit the nail on its head or don’t make that shrewd, classy, smart copy. I start thinking that maybe I’m not cut out for this. I beat myself up about it without realising that nine times out of 10, I have delivered. I have closed copies. I have brought in my creative bend. I have gone up high and down below to search for the perfect way to get the message across. AND YET.
When the deuce hits the roof, I am quick to self-point, self-yell, and sink into self-despair. Why do I do that? Why can’t I just take a nanosecond and realise that I am worth it? Because it’s always easy going down the stairs. It’s the hardest when you have to climb up. [Whatah analogy ehh?] It might also have something to do with how you were brought up [Going full Freud here.]. If your actions were always questioned as a child, it just might be second nature to second guess yourself every second. But hey, I ain’t no psychologist.
And then, there are people who have a high sense of self-worth. Even if they don’t have it, they fake it.
Those who say, f**k this. I know I’m good. I am putting in the work. The results will show. Kudos to them, I say — those who keep soldiering on against the harsh winds of ridicule, questioning of the logic. I admire you. I salute you. I don’t envy you.
You cannot equate your very existence on this God-given earth if you do poorly at your job. You just cannot. When you get like this, you must go back to the good ol’ days, dig out those appreciative messages and replay those claps you received. You must peruse through your creative pieces and read them like you are your biggest fan. You must receive a pep talk from your friend, who will happily knock some hard sense into you. You must do whatever it takes to bring yourself back into a place of self-love.
Now, I know the net is flooded with “5 ways to boost your self-worth”, so I won’t bore you with those. This piece was never about that anyway. It was just about venting to you, about sharing my state with you, and giving you some place to sit on this boat with me. It was just to remind you that you shouldn’t equate your self-worth, bad or good, to your work. The former is hard. The latter, truth be told, does give you a feel-good moment. Because I get it, work is a vital part of your life. BUT, it is still a PART.
You are way more than your work. You are a charming, beautiful, got-it-together kind of human being who is just having some bad days. This too shall pass, my friend. Remember, you do have a purpose. You have a calling. And what’s meant to be yours will find you. For some at the age of 5, for others at 50. We’ve seen examples all around. So, wait your turn. Until then, just keep doing your best. You’ll get there!
