What cause are you working for?
What are you doing?
This question comes up frequently in many social situations. People ask it as a way to understand who we are. We often reply with a title that describes our job. We might say, "I'm a Department Manager," "I'm a Director," "I'm between jobs," or we might choose some other label.
However, this answer doesn't fully capture us. It doesn't answer the deeper question of what we really do. We could say, "I'm thinking about life" or "I'm searching for answers to important questions that others might not even think to ask."
Right now, there are trends suggesting that our future self-identification will shift away from job titles and company names. Instead, we might start defining ourselves based on the causes we believe in and work toward. Companies recognize this shift and are investing significantly to remain appealing to younger generations.
As we move into the future job market, there will be a major change. Our sense of identity tied to a single job and company will start to fade. More people will become “plural careerists.” These individuals will use their skills in various roles across different organizations. They will want to make a meaningful impact in multiple contexts.
For many companies, traditional employer branding will no longer be effective. A reevaluation of how they attract talent will be necessary. Many of us grew up believing that job security came from a specific title, a defined job description, and benefits like a pension.
Now, we must adapt to a reality where our job identity is connected to various roles and organizations, as well as a cause that resonates with us personally.
The idea of being both a bank director and a hospital clown may sound strange at first, but there is no reason to limit ourselves in such ways. To navigate this new landscape effectively, we need to develop two key practices.
First, we must be able to set clear boundaries, a concept known as “synchronization.” This helps avoid the trap of multitasking. We can break our time into segments, focusing on specific tasks like A, B, C, and X.
Second, we should strive to find a common theme that connects our various projects. This thread can create synergy among our different roles. For instance, a bank director might fulfill their responsibilities during the day while also dedicating time each month to bring joy as a hospital clown to children receiving treatment.
In this way, the "Renaissance man" of the future will blend talents. This mix of roles can enhance both leadership qualities and personal fulfillment. A work life focused solely on profits and numbers leads to a lack of meaning for many. At some point, individuals might feel that something is missing in their lives.
Consider what cause you support or wish to pursue. This cause can enrich your life and possibly improve the world around you, providing a deeper sense of purpose.