This resonates so strongly with me. I've observed this for years. I was always that "high achiever" who got all As and therefore all the manic optimism: "you could be a lawyer! A doctor! ANYTHING you want to be!" But really, everyone else defines our worth based on how much we earn. How easily we fit into a box.

I've observed for years that people don't know how to answer the question "What do you do?" without talking about their job. And if you don't have one, you're made to feel like less of a person.

I love what you say about being a "series of processes unfolding," because that's closer to reality for most people—especially for those, like me, whose diverse skills have to compete with a neurodivergent brain. Add in today's general lack of socioeconomic stability and it's that much harder.

Thanks for writing.