This question, us without our titles, has been recurring to me quite often for a while now, and I wanted to reflect on it. We live in a world shaped by working more, climbing the career ladder, and striving for achievement. At the same time, these are important to many people, but over time, they have become the primary goal for many. From a very young age, kids are often asked what they want to be when they grow up. They learn that they must think of something under which they become associated, a title.

We must consider early on whether we want to become doctors, engineers, teachers, police officers, or pursue other careers. The notion of a title or set of titles is deeply connected to us, defining the trajectory of our lives. This does not mean that it is wrong to have a specific title; I mean that this title would define our career path and the profession we will pursue later in life.

Beyond Titles & Achievements

However, there is this fixation over titles that leaves people with time automated to it. For instance, if you check LinkedIn, I include myself in this as well, titles are everywhere. From CEOs, program directors, engineers, researchers, journalists, entrepreneurs, trainers, you name it. People have numerous titles, and these help you identify your audience, especially when advertising your work.

However, beyond this notion, who are we beyond all these titles and achievements? Have you taken a minute to reflect on this? Before facing burnout, I vividly remember being overly consumed and preoccupied with climbing the career ladder to the point where I felt like a stranger to my own self. I think it was when this question crossed my mind. Then, I realised that perhaps there was a problem since I struggled to answer it beyond my job.

Who Are You?

I got myself busy with work, so that it became automatic for me to present myself in the same specific and career-oriented narrative whenever someone asked. But really, who are you beyond or away from your titles? What if we stopped for a second and decided to present ourselves for who we are? Not for the job we have or the responsibilities we have? Without using sophisticated terms? Away from work, very few people know who we are, and this is not always the case for everyone.

It is essential to remember that our titles and list of achievements are part of us, but they don’t define us as a whole. To answer this question, I realised that beyond all the titles I have, to which I am grateful, I am also a pretty curious person. I enjoy discovering and learning new things. I have the deep urge to experience life fully, and not just navigate it. Some know me as a blogger or writer, but I also write for myself. I enjoy journaling, and it has been a long-standing habit of mine. It helped me organize my thoughts and feelings, even if it was only for myself.

Think of All that Makes You, You

All the titles and achievements create, over time, a rugged exterior. Yes, it helps people to set specific boundaries, which is essential. However, sometimes, the hard exterior integrates into our interior from within, and that’s when it creates a problem. But without that hard exterior, I am someone whose eyes well up with tears whenever I experience an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Also, I am an introvert; I prefer my small space and circle. I don’t like to be the outspoken person. In fact, I enjoy listening more than speaking. Museums are my favorite places to be. A habit I picked up when I moved to France, and now it has become part of my sacred rituals. Without the titles, I am someone who phases out when overwhelmed or too stressed, not as a negative response, but to gather myself and communicate my feelings more effectively.

So again, who am I without all the titles? I am someone who is still becoming, learning, and feels deeply. And now, dear reader, who are you without all your titles?