How to Deal with an Identity Crisis

For anyone juggling a 9-5 and a business, wearing multiple hats, or navigating a major career shift - this is your guide to finding clarity when your identity feels blurred

In November last year, I was invited to a major tech summit I’ve always wanted to attend.

It came with a sleek networking app where attendees could add their bios to connect with others ahead of the event.

Pretty straightforward, right?

But when I got to the profile section… I froze.

Should I show up as Wamide the creator?
Wamide of CAWSTEM?
Wamide of Propel?

Should have been a no-brainer, but I genuinely didn’t know how to introduce myself.

And this isn’t the first time I’ve felt this.

As someone juggling a 9–5, a creator business, and a nonprofit - I often struggle with how to define myself.

Sometimes I even joke about it - when someone invites me to speak, I ask:
“Do you want Wamide the coach or Wamide from work?”

For anyone juggling a 9-5 and a business, wearing multiple hats, or navigating a major career shift - this is your guide to finding clarity when your identity feels blurred.

Here’s what’s helped me navigate identity shifts without losing my sense of self:

1. Choose your context, not your label

You don’t have to be everything in every room.
Ask yourself: “What’s the purpose of this space?”
Let that guide how you introduce yourself. All your identities are valid - but you don’t have to wear them all at once (We literally can’t wear more than one cap at a time anyway.)

2. Anchor to your values, not your title

When you feel disconnected, return to your core.
What matters to you? What do you care about deeply - regardless of the job or title?

For me, it’s growth, impact, and empowering professionals especially women.
That’s the thread across all my roles. And that’s the version of me I lead with.

Rather than feeling tethered by boring talks, at the conference I opted for talks, conversations, workshops that resonated with my values not just my job title.

3. Define your own narrative

If you don't tell your story, someone else will - and they'll get it wrong.

Write a short bio or “mission statement” or that weaves your work together. I call mine my driving force.

Think of it like a Venn diagram: what’s the overlap between all your roles? That’s your story. Embrace it fully.

4. Let your evolution be public, but do the inner work too

You’re allowed to change. You’re allowed to grow.

But remember,

A tree doesn’t start with leaves - it starts with roots.
And those roots? They grow in silence, underground, unseen.

Same with you.
Your titles, your achievements, your “budding” moments — they all stem from the deep, invisible work you’re doing behind the scenes.

So yes, evolve in public.

Don’t wait until it all makes sense - share the messy middle (reminding myself to as well). People connect with honesty, not perfection.

But don’t neglect the private work: the self-reflection, the healing, the learning, the unlearning.

Because when your roots are strong, it matters less what label you wear.
Your foundation speaks louder than your title.

In summary

I reminded myself of this:

✅ I don’t need to shrink or hide the layers
✅ I can embrace the many hats I wear
✅ But I can also lead with what fits the room

This was a European tech summit - so I showed up as Wamide of Propel.
The result? Meaningful conversations, strong leads, and $$$ in company revenue.

My takeaway:

You don’t need to pick one box forever.
But in each room, ask: What version of me best serves this moment?

And lead with that - with clarity and intention.

You’re not lost.
You’re layered.
You’re becoming.

The next time you feel unsure of who you are, zoom out. Look for your through-line: your values, your mission, your voice.

That’s you.
Not your job. Not your role. You.

And on days when you feel lost or inadequate; I hope you’ll remember this quote from Steve Jobs:

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”

It might not make sense yet, but you are more than your job title. More than your LinkedIn headline. More than the boxes/labels can capture.

It’ll come together surely.

🛎️ Growth Corner

If you’re looking for opportunities to grow this May, here are some options:

• Give back: Join HerSynergy as a mentor.

• Grow financially/professionally: Register to attend for HerVest’s Value Up free event this Saturday.

• Funding alert: Apply for the Beauty Hut x Paystack Grant before May 31st - get ₦2M in funding + mentorship and Paystack credit.

• Skill up: ​Win Data, Airtime, a MiFi device - even a LAPTOP when you join the FREE soft skills training by Propel & Jobberman. Register here