Build Your Identity Capital

Written By Sue Carmody

When the job market feels weird—how can we keep our momentum?

Build your identity capital.

This slowdown is just part of a larger cycle.

Cycles spin.

This won't last forever.

In the meantime, lots of people (young & old) are using this uncertainty as a time to explore, try new things, and build their identity capital—the mix of personal resources, both tangible and intangible, that help shape who we are and who we’re becoming.

The term identity capital (yes, a buzz word) emerged as an antidote to the “identity crisis” psychologist Erik Erikson talked about—the big questions of: “Who am I, and where do I fit in?”

So for those willing to re-frame the tight job market as a growth opportunity, those taking initiative, thinking ahead, and keeping that gritty motivation going, they are building that often invisible, but incredibly valuable foundation, for what's to come.

As one of my recent career-seeking clients said, “There is only one way out of this (proverbial mud) – and that’s through it.”

Yep! Here’s how you too can muck through it:

Build your own identity capital:

Tangible - these are your measurable assets:

  • Take some classes; invest in online learning

  • Enroll in certificate programs

  • Make networking & meet up groups a priority

  • Consider GMAT study courses and Grad school

  • Research paid and unpaid internships

  • Update your resume

  • Set up lots of Informational Interviews - See story below

Intangible - These are our hard to measure, often indivisible talents:  

  • Take some risks to build more confidence

  • Utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills

  • Evolve your communication skills through toastmasters or other speaking groups Write or comment on industry blogs or LinkedIn posts

  • Stay open, be adaptable

  • Plop yourself in new situations

  • Practice re-framing setbacks

  • Zero in on the little things and baby steps

  • Stay persistent

No doubt it is tough to decide whether you should stay “unemployed” and hold out for your ideal job, or enlist in an “under-employed” job where you may be over qualified. 

Here’s my take - Too much time out of the workforce can make future employers question your drive and relevance. In today’s fast-moving market, if you’re not keeping up with skills and trends, you risk losing your professional edge.

That’s why investing in your own identity capital, and maybe yes, jumping into a less-than- perfect job makes sense ....just for now... remembering this is just one building block in a larger cycle.

Sue Carmody
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