When life strips away titles
This article explores the psychological attachment individuals develop toward their professional titles and positions of power. It argues that true personal value is derived from character and skills rather than the status associated with a job title.
Why it matters
It addresses the common struggle of identity crisis during retirement or career transitions, offering a perspective on maintaining self-worth beyond professional roles.
A job title or position, symbolised by a chair, has many utilities. Besides providing regular engagement and financial security, it offers positional power. This power lends a chair a magnetic appeal. Handled and channelled well, the positional power enables us to not only influence desired behaviour but also drive and make an impactful change, be it in office, institution, or society.
Yet, for many of us, our relationship with the chair is one of obsessive attachment, which later turns out to be problematic and a pain.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in