“Our identities are often what help us determine our career paths,” said Lori Tiemer, registered psychologist at Rivers Edge Counselling Centre.
“When our careers (and) jobs are in line with our identities – so our interests, our abilities, personality, values – people often do have a greater sense of job satisfaction.”
It becomes risky when an owner over-identifies with their work, though. By losing sight of who they are outside of their business, they lose themselves if they lose their job.
That’s where a psychologist can help. Often, Tiemer will help people define their goals, skills, values and talents in order to build back into their sense of self.