In a world where success is often measured by titles and paychecks, workplace expert and author Simone Stolzoff is urging people to rethink how much of their identity they tie to their profession. In a TED Talk earlier this year, Stolzoff explained why separating who we are from what we do is crucial for emotional balance and long-term fulfillment.
The cost of tying identity to work
Stolzoff, a San Francisco–based writer and former design lead at IDEO, began his talk with a thought-provoking question: “If you are what you do, and you lose your job — who are you?” He pointed out that while people naturally wear many hats — as parents, friends, neighbors, and citizens — modern culture has conditioned many to define themselves almost exclusively through their careers.
According to Stolzoff, this mindset can be dangerous, particularly in uncertain economic times. “Much like an investor diversifies their portfolio, we, too, benefit from diversifying the sources of meaning and identity in our lives,” he said during his talk.
Creating ‘time sanctuaries’
Stolzoff’s approach to reclaiming identity begins with what he calls “time sanctuaries” — deliberate spaces in one’s schedule where work is not an option. These breaks, he says, give individuals a chance to reconnect with parts of themselves often overshadowed by professional demands.
“The first step is to create those time sanctuaries — spaces in your days, your weeks, your life — where work is not an option,” he said in his TED Talk. The next step, he added, is to fill those moments with meaningful pursuits that reinforce other aspects of one’s identity, such as being “a present father, a community gardener, or an amateur musician.”
Finding meaning outside the office
In his talk, Stolzoff emphasized that if people want to find meaning beyond their careers, they must actively do things beyond their work life. He recommended engaging in communities that “couldn’t care less” about job titles or professional accomplishments.
Sharing a personal example, he said, “I love to play pickup basketball. It’s a weekly reminder that I exist on this earth to do more than just produce economic value.”
Building a well-rounded life
Stolzoff’s message, as reported by TED, is simple but timely — fulfillment cannot rely solely on professional success. Instead, it comes from nurturing multiple identities that together form a richer sense of self. “If we want to develop more well-rounded versions of ourselves, if we want to build robust relationships and live in robust communities, we must invest in aspects of our lives beyond work,” he said.
The author of The Good Enough Job, Stolzoff continues to explore how people can redefine success by striking a balance between ambition and authenticity. His message for the professionals revolves around navigating burnout and identity loss in the post-pandemic era — reminding them that life’s truest meaning often begins after logging off.
The cost of tying identity to work
Stolzoff, a San Francisco–based writer and former design lead at IDEO, began his talk with a thought-provoking question: “If you are what you do, and you lose your job — who are you?” He pointed out that while people naturally wear many hats — as parents, friends, neighbors, and citizens — modern culture has conditioned many to define themselves almost exclusively through their careers.
According to Stolzoff, this mindset can be dangerous, particularly in uncertain economic times. “Much like an investor diversifies their portfolio, we, too, benefit from diversifying the sources of meaning and identity in our lives,” he said during his talk.
Creating ‘time sanctuaries’
Stolzoff’s approach to reclaiming identity begins with what he calls “time sanctuaries” — deliberate spaces in one’s schedule where work is not an option. These breaks, he says, give individuals a chance to reconnect with parts of themselves often overshadowed by professional demands.
“The first step is to create those time sanctuaries — spaces in your days, your weeks, your life — where work is not an option,” he said in his TED Talk. The next step, he added, is to fill those moments with meaningful pursuits that reinforce other aspects of one’s identity, such as being “a present father, a community gardener, or an amateur musician.”
Finding meaning outside the office
In his talk, Stolzoff emphasized that if people want to find meaning beyond their careers, they must actively do things beyond their work life. He recommended engaging in communities that “couldn’t care less” about job titles or professional accomplishments.
Sharing a personal example, he said, “I love to play pickup basketball. It’s a weekly reminder that I exist on this earth to do more than just produce economic value.”
Building a well-rounded life
Stolzoff’s message, as reported by TED, is simple but timely — fulfillment cannot rely solely on professional success. Instead, it comes from nurturing multiple identities that together form a richer sense of self. “If we want to develop more well-rounded versions of ourselves, if we want to build robust relationships and live in robust communities, we must invest in aspects of our lives beyond work,” he said.
The author of The Good Enough Job, Stolzoff continues to explore how people can redefine success by striking a balance between ambition and authenticity. His message for the professionals revolves around navigating burnout and identity loss in the post-pandemic era — reminding them that life’s truest meaning often begins after logging off.
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