Chapter 1: The Experiment

Let’s engage in a small thought experiment. Complete the following sentences:

Pablo Picasso was …

Marlon Brando was …

Jane Austen was …

Finished? Great! While I cannot read minds, I bet many of you filled in those sentences like this: Picasso was a painter, Marlon Brando was an actor, and Jane Austen was a writer.

Am I correct? This may sound trivial, but consider this: for Picasso, we could have said:

• Picasso was a person;
• Picasso was from Spain;
• Picasso was a co-founder of the Cubist art movement;
• Picasso was also a talented sculptor;
• Picasso had a distinctive bald head.

Now, let’s look at Marlon Brando:

• Marlon Brando was an American;
• Marlon Brando was a man;
• Marlon Brando had a deep appreciation for nature and animals;
• Marlon Brando was an advocate for civil rights;
• Marlon Brando hailed from Nebraska.

And finally, Jane Austen:

• Jane Austen was a woman;
• Jane Austen was British;
• Jane Austen was known for her reserved nature;
• Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire;
• Jane Austen cherished the English countryside.

As you can see, each person has a rich tapestry of traits, backgrounds, and interests. Yet, we often find ourselves defined solely by our careers.

The precise moment this shift occurred in our history is difficult to pinpoint, but it likely began during the Industrial Revolution. In earlier societies, our identities were deeply tied to our family or tribe. During the Middle Ages, society was simply categorized into three groups: nobility, clergy, and peasants.

From the 11th to the 16th centuries, surnames emerged across Europe, often reflecting a person's occupation or physical traits. This marked the beginning of our jobs influencing our identities—leading to names like Smith, Baker, and Carpenter. The rise of individualism after the French Revolution and the specialization of labor solidified our modern-day identities, making our self-worth often linked to our careers.

You may have heard someone say, “Yes, I know Angie; she’s a police officer.” Our identities, societal standings, and worth are often judged by our jobs—something I find troubling.

You might be asking: “How can we change this narrative?” Honestly, I’m unsure. I’ve revisited this article after a two-month hiatus, struggling for words. However, consider this:

When introducing yourself, skip the job title. First, it's not that interesting, and second, it leads others to make assumptions about you based on your profession. Instead, share your favorite books, films, sports, or foods. Narrate your story and passions. Take the lead in defining who you are—don’t leave it up to others to guess.

Thank you for reading!

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Giovanni Foglia

Chapter 2: The Reality of Job Searching

The process of seeking employment can often feel overwhelming and disheartening. Many face the harsh reality that job hunting is becoming increasingly challenging.

This video discusses the emotional toll of job searching and offers insights on maintaining resilience during this difficult time.

Chapter 3: The Struggles of the Modern Job Market

It’s a well-known fact that the landscape of job searching has shifted dramatically, leading to heightened frustration for many.

This video explores the growing difficulties in finding suitable employment and the reasons behind this troubling trend.