The Identity Crisis by Transition

Role Change Anxiety

A large part of the anxiety we suffer in life comes directly from the fear of changing our identity.

This fear manifests itself with particular intensity during major life transitions that force us to stop being something.

Moving from a familiar role to a new, unknown one can generate enormous anguish and a deep existential crisis.

Defining Ourselves by What We Do

Society and culture have taught us from a very young age that we have to define ourselves by what we do.

We base our identity and our value on temporary labels such as our academic title or our job position.

The problem is that these activities and roles inevitably transform throughout our lives and are not permanent.

Example 1. The Transition from Student to Professional

A very clear example of this crisis occurs when a person is about to finish their university studies.

While you are a student, you have a very defined identity and you feel comfortable in that role that you know well.

However, when you cross the threshold to become a professional, you face great uncertainty and anxiety.

You wonder if you will be good at your job or if you will be passionate about what you do, generating great fear about the future.

Example 2. The Leap from Employee to Entrepreneur

Another transition that causes enormous panic is going from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur.

Many people who have worked for a company for years are afraid of leaving their stability for a project of their own.

They fear that if they invest their savings in their company, they could fail and end up bankrupt and full of debt.

This fear of what could happen prevents them from making the decision to pursue their true dreams and passions.

Example 3. The Challenge of Retirement

Similarly, the transition from being an active professional to becoming a pensioner is often very difficult.

There are people who have identified themselves all their lives as lawyers or entrepreneurs and suddenly must leave it.

They face the fear of not knowing what to do with their free time or the belief that they are no longer useful.

The Fear of the Unknown

The root of this anxiety is the fear we feel when leaving our comfort zone and entering the unknown.

Since we don't know what's coming, our mind clings to negative beliefs and the worst possible scenarios.

We imagine failure and criticism, which fills us with anguish that prevents us from moving towards change.

Summary

Anxiety often comes from the fear of changing our identity during major transitions vital. Moving from a familiar role to a new one creates anxiety.

Society teaches us to define ourselves by temporary labels, such as being a student or a lawyer. When these roles end, we face a profound identity crisis.

The root of all this anxiety is the fear of leaving our comfort zone. Our minds cling to the worst possible scenarios, preventing us from moving forward.