With the recession going on and people losing their jobs left and right, it’s hard not to tie your identity to your position of employment. Men, in particular, identify strongly with what they do in life, their careers. When something happens and they lose or need to change their careers, they frequently have a melt down. They go through what is basically an identity crisis.

As a woman, when you choose not to work outside of the home, whether it’s to raise your children or for some other reason, it’s so easy to feel like you have no identity. When people ask you what you do, you stumble around trying to find the latest buzz word that means “stay at home mom” or “housewife.” Not flattering. Talk about feeling like a nobody.

What we all need to realize is that we are who we are, not what we do. I know it’s easier said than done; I’ve dealt with this myself. But what if people decided to ask who you are rather than what you do? Think of how this could change our world for the better. Whenever you met someone on the street and they asked who you were you could give them your name and tell them about something you like to do.

For example, I could say, “I’m Jenny and I absolutely love music. During the days I work as an Internet marketer.” My name and what I love to do hasn’t changed through the years. Whenever I worked as a health insurance claims examiner or an ESL teacher, I still loved music. Think how great this will be if I ever change careers again. My introduction will stay the same. People who meet me will come to know me for the person I really am and not the job I happen to be doing at the moment.

I know we can’t start a revolution but maybe you can change your own life. The next time someone asks you what you do tell them who you are first and then tell them what you do. I bet they’ll remember you better.