My own identity in the workplace

Well, my last post was pretty surface level and introductory when it comes to identity in the workplace. So, I figured I would take it one step further and discuss my own identity in the workplace.

Not to bring astrology or birth order into this but I am a virgo and first born. No, I don’t read my horoscope every day -- yes, I do think first borns can be riddled with anxiety. That said, I am hyper-organized, always needing to be in control, ambitious to a fault, and scared to let anyone down.

I excel at work but holy shit, it is hard trying to ~perfect~ all the time. And by perfect, I do not mean actually being perfect because what does perfect even mean. By perfect, I mean not letting myself down, or anyone else down around me.

Somewhere, along the way, I crossed wires of what it means to work hard and be successful with being worthy and valued.

Work ethic = worthiness.

Successful = valued.

My average is another person’s excel. I got straight A’s my entire life (not a humble brag -- moreso a picture into how UP TIGHT I was even through elementary, middle, and high school), I always had a job while playing club and school sports, and I was the captain of my social life too.

Again, I am not saying this to taunt my "achievements" -- I am saying this to provide some context around why I operate the way I do. My work ethic is also my Achilles heel. I am never satisfied. And when I fail - I do not know who I am.

My innate work ethic in my identity translates into the workplace and it can be crippling.

So, this is my identity in the workplace - the overachieving, goody two-shoes, first born Virgo who strives to go above and beyond to ensure I am not disappointing anyone or being a sub-par contributor.

What’s yours?