5 Key Questions to Survive Work-Related Misconceptions
Ever felt like you’re only as good as your job title? Yeah, me too. And let me tell you, it’s not doing wonders for self-esteem. Spoiler: it’s also totally wrong.
So, here’s the story of how not having a “traditional job” filled me with insecurities, how I flipped the script, and the 5 questions that changed everything.
By Little Chilean
https://medium.com/@littlechilean
When Work and Self-Worth Collide
“I need to work to feel useful.”
“I don’t have a job, so I’m not good enough.”
“My work doesn’t pay well, so something’s wrong with me.”
Sound familiar? These thoughts hit hard because they link work with self-worth—and that’s dangerous.
Yes, we need to work to live, eat, and pay bills. But there’s a fine line between needing a job and believing we’re less worthy without one. Sadly, we don’t talk about this enough.
I went through this struggle big time. No job, low self-esteem, and a constant inner voice whispering, “You’re failing.” It was exhausting.
Misconception #1: A “Good Job” Is Universal
Let’s start here: what the heck is a “good job” anyway? Spoiler alert—it’s 100% subjective. What I consider amazing might sound awful to you, and vice versa. Even your own definition changes over time!
Work comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re managing a hostel, creating a magazine, or teaching online yoga classes, it’s still work—and it all matters.
Every job teaches you something: skills, resilience, patience. None of that is wasted, regardless of the paycheck or the title.
The danger? Believing there’s only one “good path.” That mindset creates unnecessary self-doubt when we dare to step off it.
Misconception #2: Better Job = More Money
This one stings. Somewhere along the way, we decided success equals money. More zeros = more worth.
Reality check: some of the most meaningful jobs won’t make you rich—but they’ll make your life richer.
Sure, money matters (bills don’t pay themselves), but defining your value by your bank balance? That’s a straight road to misery.
Your story, the challenges you’ve faced, the joy in your work—those don’t show up in a salary slip, but they’re priceless.
Misconception #3: You Are Your Job
This one nearly knocked me out. I thought I had the first two under control… until this hit.
We’re complex humans. Work is just one part of us—not the whole picture. But when we put “job title” on the top shelf of our identity, everything else dims.
And when work isn’t going great? Boom. Instant crisis mode.
The truth: Your worth doesn’t come from what you do. It comes from who you are.
Down the Rabbit Hole (and Back)
When work wasn’t at its best, neither was I. Not because I hated working hard—oh, I love being productive—but because I tied my entire sense of self to “success” and being “useful”,
If I wasn’t working at some fancy place or rolling in cash, I felt useless. I put on this imaginary “proud veil”—but one comment, one reminder that I wasn’t where society says I “should” be, and it all crumbled.
So, what changed? Honestly, hitting bottom helped. (Wouldn’t recommend as a life strategy, though.)
I knew something had to shift. I couldn’t keep letting work dictate my worth. So, I asked myself 5 simple—but powerful—questions.
5 Questions That Changed Everything
- What’s the best part of my last 3 jobs?
(Connecting with people and socializing.)
- Do I have this in my current gig?
(Yes! I meet amazing people online and read inspiring stories.)
- Is there anything I can’t do?
(Nope. I’ve proven I can learn anything I set my mind to.)
- Have I improved or learned something useful in the last 2 years?
(Absolutely. Managed a hostel. Created a magazine. Skills for life.)
- Would I be proud of these achievements if they were someone else’s?
(100%. From the outside, it sounds impressive!)
Your Turn
These five answers reminded me: my worth isn’t tied to one job. I even wrote them down and stuck them somewhere visible—because when that “proud veil” slips, I need the reminder.
So, ask yourself these questions. Write the answers. Stick them on your wall, your mirror, your fridge. Trust me, the answers will surprise you.
Because if you’re amazing when you’re working hard, then you’re amazing full stop.
Life Lovers Magazine® 