What Letting Go of My Career Taught Me About Identity
July 9, 2026 – Emily
What Letting Go of My Career Taught Me About Identity
I started working when I was 15 years old and never really stopped. I’ve always had a job. During college, I even balanced two.
My career was a big part of who I was — and I loved the work I did.
So when I left my job in my late 30s to move to Uganda, I expected the transition to be difficult. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I would grieve the loss of my career, my routine, and the identity I had built around the work I did.
For about six months, I wrestled with the question: Who am I now?
But God gently reminded me that my purpose was never contained in a job title, a paycheck, or a position on an organizational chart.
My purpose was always much bigger than that.
I’ve learned to bloom where I’m planted.
This season has taught me that my worth is not measured by my accomplishments, my salary, or the title written on my business card. I have reimagined my identity.
I no longer introduce myself by saying, “Hi, I’m Emily. I work at ___ doing ___.”
Instead, I introduce myself by who I am becoming: a wife, a mom, a home cook, a storyteller, and someone who is intentionally building connection and community wherever God places me.
And I’ve discovered that this version of purpose is more expansive and transformative than I ever imagined.
Pause & Reflect
If someone took away your job title tomorrow, what part of your identity would remain?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thank you for spending a little time in the Library today.
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See you back here soon,
Emily