How to reclaim your life from work | Simone Stolzoff
Feb 10, 2025
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Simone Stolzoff, a writer and author of "The Good Enough Job," dives into the dilemma of letting work define our identities. She discusses the importance of creating 'time sanctuaries' for personal interests, arguing that hobbies can nourish our sense of self. The conversation touches on finding balance through experiences like meditation retreats, which offer clarity on personal values beyond professional roles. Modupe shares her insights on how meditation enriches her identity outside of work, making for a compelling exploration of work-life dynamics.
Defining oneself through work can lead to a skewed perception of self-worth, emphasizing the need to explore identities beyond professional roles.
Creating designated 'time sanctuaries' for personal interests fosters a healthier work-life balance and encourages personal growth and fulfillment.
Deep dives
Reframing Identity Beyond Work
Conventional social norms in many cultures equate an individual's identity with their profession, often leading to the common question, 'What do you do?' This connection can foster a skewed perception of self-worth tied solely to career achievements. By shifting the focus to 'What do you like to do?', individuals can explore identities that are not exclusively job-related. This reframing promotes a healthier relationship with work as it acknowledges the multifaceted nature of personal identity, allowing for a broader exploration of interests and passions outside of professional responsibilities.
The Importance of Time Sanctuaries
To cultivate a richer sense of identity beyond work, creating time sanctuaries is essential; these are dedicated periods where work is intentionally excluded. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's concept of Shabbat as a 'sanctuary in time' illustrates the need for structured periods where individuals can focus on personal interests and relationships. By scheduling activities such as learning a new skill or spending undistracted time with loved ones, people can foster their identities outside of work. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also provides a necessary balance that can lead to greater fulfillment in various aspects of life.
Building Community Through Shared Interests
In addition to creating time sanctuaries, joining communities focused on shared interests helps individuals reinforce their identities beyond their work roles. Engaging in activities where personal contributions are valued outside of economic metrics can enhance one’s sense of belonging and purpose. For example, playing sports with people who are unaware of your professional achievements allows for a fresh perspective on self-worth. This community interaction fosters creativity, emotional resilience, and offers a valuable reminder that a fulfilling life incorporates diverse interests and relationships, making individuals more well-rounded and adaptive.
Where do you draw the line between work and life? Writer Simone Stolzoff explores the problem with defining yourself by your job — and shows what it takes to reclaim your time and sense of meaning beyond the office. After the talk, Modupe shares how practicing meditation nourishes her identity outside of work.