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Ever feel like your job title is holding you hostage? Like you’re one company restructure away from an identity crisis? Amiga, I’ve been there too ✨

Have you ever introduced yourself at a networking event and felt that tiny hesitation before saying your job title? That little voice wondering if it really captures all you can do?

I recently found myself in exactly this situation. Working as a “Customer Success Leader” at a startup, but doing so much more—operations, marketing, sales strategy, branding work—you name it! Yet when people asked what I do, that one little title felt like it was putting me in a box that was way too small.

Why Job Titles Are a Career Trap

When you tie your professional identity to your job title (like “I’m a magazine editor” or “I’m a customer success manager”), you’re essentially handcuffing yourself to something completely outside your control.

Think about it: Your job title can:

• Disappear during company restructuring
• Become automated or outsourced
• Change meaning as industries evolve
• Limit how others see your capabilities

No wonder layoffs feel so threatening! When your title vanishes, it can feel like your professional identity is being erased too.

The Golden Exercise That Changed My Perspective

Then I stumbled upon this simple but powerful exercise while listening to a podcast that literally stopped me in my tracks. I pulled over my car, grabbed a notebook from my bag, and scribbled it down immediately. It was that good.

The exercise? Create a personal mission statement that captures your value beyond any job title.

Here are the three simple rules:

1. Keep it short (one sentence only)
2. Start with “I” (this is about YOU, not a company)
3. Choose timeless words that can’t be taken away from you, no matter what changes in your industry

This isn’t some fluffy “find your purpose” exercise. It’s a practical tool to build professional resilience and clarity that nobody can take from you—not even the most dramatic company restructuring.

Real Examples That Show How It Works

Let’s look at some examples to see the difference:

Instead of: “I’m a social media manager”
Try: “I help businesses connect authentically with their communities”

Instead of: “I’m a graphic designer”
Try: “I transform complex ideas into visual stories”

Instead of: “I’m a customer service rep”
Try: “I solve problems to make people’s days better”

Do you see how the second version in each pair is completely future-proof? No technology, industry shift, or economic downturn can take that away from you.

Some other powerful examples from the podcast:

• “I tell stories in my own voice”
• “I help teams achieve greatness”
• “I solve the most complex problems”
• “I bring joy to people through food”

How This Tiny Shift Makes You Resilient

When I did this exercise myself, something clicked. I realized my value isn’t in being a “Customer Success Leader.” It’s that “I transform business challenges into simple, actionable systems.”

That mission statement:

• Works whether I’m employed or running my own business
• Applies across multiple industries
• Focuses on the value I bring, not the title I hold
• Gives me confidence during job transitions
• Helps me recognize opportunities that align with my strengths

No tiene que ser complicado, amiga. Sometimes the simplest tools are the most powerful.

Your Turn: Future-Proof Your Professional Identity

Here’s what I want you to do right now:

1. Grab a pen and paper (seriously, analog works best for this)
2. Write “I…” at the top of the page
3. Finish that sentence with what you uniquely bring to the world
4. Refine until it feels both authentic and timeless

Remember: This isn’t about crafting the perfect LinkedIn headline. It’s about creating an internal compass that guides your career decisions and gives you confidence when everything around you is changing.

Did your mission statement surprise you? Does it feel liberating to define yourself beyond your current job title? I’d love to hear what you came up with in the comments below.

With clarity and confidence, Gaby

P.S. Want to hear the podcast that inspired this revelation? It’s a 34-minute episode called “This Exercise Can Future-Proof Your Career” by Help Wanted. Listen here – it might just change how you see your entire career path!