You are your work (sort of)

22 Apr, 2024

A few days back, there was a debate about whether you are defined by your work or not.

While some argue that work is the entire personality for most people, the majority believe it's just a part of their lives, with a clear separation between professional and personal identities.

Fair.

And, while thinking more deeply about the question I came up with a theory: Ownership Theory.

According to this theory; you are your work, but only to the extent of your ownership in the company.

If you're the sole founder or owner, your work is essentially your entire identity in that context.

You're the driving force behind the company, and its success or failure rests on your shoulders. There's no escaping it – you must live and breathe your work, as no one else will promote it with the same passion and dedication as you.

On the other hand, if you're a late-stage employee who joined with just a salary package, you are 0% of your work. You sell your time and effort in exchange for money, and that's it.

As a company grows and evolves, the dynamics change.

Founders may bring on partners, investors, and early employees, diluting their ownership but also sharing responsibilities.

This allows them to step back from being 100% defined by their work, as others now shoulder some of the burden.

However, the Ownership Theory is a simplified model, and reality is often more nuanced.

In practice, one's relationship to their work exists on a spectrum rather than distinct 0% or 100% categories.

Factors such as salary breakup (just money or stock options or profit sharing), the reason behind them doing a particular job, and personal values can influence how much someone identifies with their work, regardless of their official ownership stake.

In conclusion, the theory suggests that the degree to which you are your work depends on your ownership and role in the company.

Founders must make their work their entire identity, while employees have the luxury of maintaining a clearer separation.

So, what percentage are you?