Rethinking bring your “whole self” to work

Preserving your essence in the age of enforced authenticity

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Certainly, as a Gen X professional, it may not come as a surprise that it was only in 2015 that my colleagues casually learned I am a mother of two boys, and had been for five years. This revelation occurred during a work-related social gathering where we, predominantly Gen Xers, were engaging in light-hearted conversation about our lives outside the office. The discourse evolved organically until the question was directed at me: “Do you have children, Kem?” Following a brief pause, where instinct took over, I replied, “Yes, I have two boys,” while internally bracing myself for the ensuing probing curiosity.

On a personal note, I have always maintained a boundary between my professional and private life. Prying into the personal affairs of others has never piqued my interest; consequently, I have remained reserved at work, especially concerning matters about my children. My workspace has been consistently utilitarian and devoid of personal mementos that give no indication of my life outside of work.