Originally Posted by delicious
Is this sentiment common in your country? In America job (and associated class) is a key part of how most people construct their identities. When adults meet each other, one of the first things most will ask is "what do you do?"
I'm an American who left America years ago, so I'm aware what the American mentality is. That being said, it's not so common to dwell on what one's job is here. A buddy of mine just stopped by to borrow a wheel and it came up that he had time to do somethings he had been wanting to do for a while. It turns out he just quit his job. I know a lot about him, have gotten pissed drunk with his mother on moonshine, know his sisters etc, but had no idea what he did for money. Why should that be important to our friendship?
Originally Posted by SamHouston
Unless you find yourself in the enviable position of actually doing what you want. Getting your identity from a job you settled for in a fast food joint or a cube farm is sad. Rick the Fireman probably doesn't mind, and finds much of his life wrapped up in the community centered around the firehouse with the others there. A unique work enviroment filled with eclectic, interesting people will draw anyone into its community, an auto-dialer....not so much.
I love my job. I am my own boss, work with wonderful people and do something positive to help others. But it doesn't define who I am as a person. It is only one part of what I do and who I am.