When I was younger, my whole sense of self-worth was based on whether or not I was working, which was awful. And I had a baby at 20 years old, so it wasn't just about me. At around the age of 30 there was a stretch where I wasn't working - certainly not on anything I liked, anyway - and I started to do other things.

Summary

This quote highlights the unhealthy correlation between one's self-worth and their work. The speaker shares that in their youth, they measured their value solely based on their employment, which resulted in a negative experience. It emphasizes the added responsibility of being a young parent and the subsequent realization that work should not define them entirely. Around the age of 30, they underwent a period of unemployment and dissatisfaction with their job choices, leading them to explore alternative activities and interests outside of work. This quote reflects a journey of self-discovery and the importance of finding fulfillment beyond career success.

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