Discovering My Identity Outside of My Career
For many of us, our 9-5 job is what pays the bills and allows us to live comfortably. However, it is often our pursuits outside of work that truly make us feel alive and fulfilled. As a nurse, my career is demanding and rewarding, but I have also found the need to explore and nurture my identity beyond the confines of my profession.
Embracing the 5-9
I have come to realize that my 5-9, the time outside of my regular working hours, is just as important as the 9-5. It is during this time that I can pursue my passions, hobbies, and interests that bring me joy and a sense of purpose. This is the time when I can truly be myself and explore different aspects of my identity.
One of the ways I have embraced my 5-9 is through maintaining an online diary. This diary serves as a platform for me to document and share my experiences, thoughts, and reflections on my journey towards living a more intentional and creative life. It allows me to connect with like-minded individuals who are also seeking to explore their identities outside of their careers.
Exploring Intentional and Creative Living
Living intentionally means being mindful of our choices and actions, and aligning them with our values and aspirations. It involves taking the time to reflect on what truly matters to us and making conscious decisions that support our overall well-being and personal growth.
For me, intentional living means carving out time for self-care, pursuing activities that bring me joy, and nurturing my relationships with loved ones. It means setting goals and working towards them, whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling to new places, or starting a passion project.
Creative living, on the other hand, is about embracing our innate creativity and using it as a means of self-expression and exploration. It involves thinking outside the box, taking risks, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. Creative living can manifest in various forms, such as writing, painting, photography, cooking, or any other creative outlet that resonates with us.
Through my online diary, I share my experiences and insights on intentional and creative living. I discuss the challenges I face, the lessons I learn, and the joys I discover along the way. My hope is that by sharing my journey, I can inspire others to explore their own identities outside of their careers and embrace a more intentional and creative life.
Cultivating a Balanced Life
While my career as a nurse will always be an important part of my identity, I have come to realize the importance of cultivating a balanced life. By nurturing my identity outside of work, I am able to bring a renewed sense of energy and passion to my career. I am also better equipped to handle the challenges and demands that come with being a healthcare professional.
My online diary serves as a reminder to prioritize my 5-9 and to make time for the things that truly make me feel alive. It is a testament to the fact that our identities are not limited to our careers, but are multifaceted and ever-evolving.
So, if you find yourself feeling unfulfilled or longing for something more, I encourage you to explore your own 5-9. Discover what makes you feel alive and pursue it with passion and intention. Your 9-5 may make you a living, but your 5-9 is what truly makes you feel alive.