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Episode #114
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When you are thinking about a move to business ownership, it can be difficult to think about losing that job title you have worked so hard for. Even if you long to leave that world to pursue success another way, you have been indoctrinated into the belief that what is considered a good job title is valuable and should be retained at all costs. Because like it or not we are judged by what we do.
Think about it: When someone asks you, 'What do you do?' It’s more than just a question about your day-to-day tasks, your answer will give them a mental picture of who you are, your level of education, your status and your social standing.
If you find yourself doing this, don’t feel bad. It’s human nature. As humans, we love to put people in ‘boxes’ to label them so we understand them. It’s a shortcut that our brains take to make sense of the world and the people around us.
So, what happens to your identity when you leave your corporate title behind or, more importantly, when your new title as a business owner no longer fits inside the neat categories that society understands?
THE SCIENCE OF LABELLING
Let’s start by looking into the science. Why do we have this need to label each other? It turns out that our affinity for quickly categorising people isn't merely a social construct; it's rooted in our neurobiology. The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, but at its core, it's designed for efficiency. Cognitive scientists often refer to mental shortcuts that our minds take as 'heuristics,' which are essentially rules of thumb that help us make speedy decisions without having to engage in laborious cognitive processing.
So why has our brain evolved this way? One theory goes back to our days as hunter-gatherers. Back then, the ability to quickly assess a situation or an individual could literally be a matter of life and death. The brain has carried this ability for rapid assessment into the modern age, even if the stakes are generally not as high. These shortcuts extend to how we interact socially.
THE IDENTITY SHIFT
When you decide to leave the more traditional world of work, you are not only leaving behind your title but everything that goes with it. It is a major shift in your identity, especially if you have been in your career for many years.
You belong somewhere for whatever time you are with that company. It’s clear where you fit in. And there can be comfort in that clarity.
As you step into the realm of digital entrepreneurship, you're not just stepping out of your job; you're stepping out of that predefined identity and community. You are in the driver's seat, crafting not just a business but also an entirely new narrative about who you are and what you stand for.
This can be hugely empowering and exciting, but let's be honest: it also can be disorienting, and a bit scary.
CRAFTING YOUR NEW IDENTITY
The way you deal with this identity shift is to accept that your job role is in the past and get really clear and confident in your new identity. You do that by:
Reframing the change: Crafting your new identity starts with reframing the situation from a negative to a positive.
Remind yourself that this is not a loss. Because in fact, you are not losing anything. Just because you are leaving the title behind, does not negate the fact you got there, you achieved it.
Rather than a loss, this is a massive opportunity. This is where the real empowerment begins because unlike in the corporate world, you're not handed an identity; you get to create it. To give yourself the title that fits the real you, your values, your strengths and aspirations.
Develop Your Personal Brand: You are designing your personal brand. Which is your narrative, your mission, and your vision all rolled into one. In the early stages, this might feel like stepping into the void. There's no script to follow or a set path laid out for you. It can be both liberating and daunting. However, this is also your playground for self-discovery and innovation.
Choose your new title: Gone are the days of hierarchical corporate ladders that confine you to a single label. As an entrepreneur, you have the freedom to choose a title that encapsulates your role, vision, and expertise. Here's the great part…you're not limited to just one title.
There are no hard and fast rules but, in general, your title (or titles) should resonate with who you are, the audience you serve, and the vision you hold for your business.
And the real beauty is you can change your title whenever it suits you. Unlike the corporate world, where promotions and title changes are decided by someone else, often held back by timing, budget or vacancies, your entrepreneurial journey allows for agile redefinition. If your focus shifts or your business evolves, your title can adapt your title accordingly.
Embody the new title: Embodying your new entrepreneurial title before you officially leave is a powerful way to align your mindset with your future goals. Think of it as 'warming up' before the main event, allowing you to fully embrace your new identity and dial down the anxiety that saying goodbye to your old status might. Listen to the episode to get some ideas on how to do this.
By adopting your new title before leaving your job, you're effectively bridging the gap between who you are now and who you aim to be, making the transition that much smoother when you can finally step into your business shoes full-time.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS…
Transitioning from a corporate role to becoming a digital entrepreneur is not just a change in your job title; it's a transformative process that touches every facet of your identity. It's a shift that can be both liberating and a bit daunting, often simultaneously.
You have the power not just to redefine your professional life but also to reconstruct your identity in a way that resonates with your deepest values and aspirations. And that is not just entrepreneurship. It's the art of living on your own terms."
