Today we discuss occupational identity, a state of identifying closely with one's job. Join RAFT as we learn about how to manage this identity in mission-driven fields, such as SV/DV advocacy.

Episode Time Codes

00:00 Intro01:00 Johnanna shares her background and work.04:30 Definition of occupational identity06:30 Definition of strong occupational identity07:10 Discussion08:20 Healthy occupational identity11:00 Unhealthy occupational Identity12:20 Discussion about struggling to turn off the identity15:10 When occupational identity rubs off on colleagues who don't have the same identity or don't want to.20:50 Discussion on how organizational structure and culture can set people up to have a strong, sometimes unhealthy, occupational identity22:30 Things people can do to avoid a strong occupational identity25:45 Risk 1: Overidentification--seeing yourself as one with your job, colleagues, and mission30:20 Risk 2: Exploitation of self and others32:00 Risk 3: Toxic work culture32:50 Risk 4: Burnout34:50 Setting healthy boundaries: Self-awareness, knowing your values, asking "who are you outside of work?", emotional literacy, and skills of accountability48:00 Outro

Resources

Occupational Identity Self-Assessment ToolBoundaries, Habits, and Supports Exploration ToolLearn more about Johnanna and her workInsight: The Surprising Truth About How Others See Us, How We See Ourselves, and Why the Answers Matter More Than We Think by Tasha Eurich