The Creative/Professional dilemma
What is dual identity and how to be successful with it
As someone who identifies as a business professional and as a creator, I used to find myself battling between which version of myself is the “real one”. Thus exposing the creative/professional dilemma.
If you’re anything like me, you may have struggled with this too. In this article, we are going to discuss what it’s like having two or more very real (but conflicting) personal identities and the steps I’ve found to overcome this and still be my most successful and authentic self.
So without further ado, in order to best understand the dual identity dilemma, let’s first take a look at where this whole concept of multiple identities even came from.
Dual Identity definition
We have to start by understanding that we all have multiple identities. But how those identities play out in our biological, physical, and social worlds is what makes us unique.
There are a couple of different definitions for dual identity out there on the web. Some sources suggest that dual identity is when a person has strong ethnic and national ties. Other sources suggest it refers to a person’s “secret” or “hidden” identity.
Collins dictionary refers to the two words quite literally. If we look at the words separately Dual (meaning two) and Identity (meaning the characteristics that a person has that distinguish them from someone else) we can begin to gather some understanding on how this concept can play out in our own lives.
What each of these definitions is explaining, can really be broken down into intersectionality and groups/subgroups of identity. So a person can be a part of a larger group (white, black) and also be a part of a subgroup (American). I am a woman but I’m also Black.
It is when a person has a conflict between their group or subgroup identities that we start seeing issues arise in a person’s life.
So when discussing dual identity and the professional/creative dilemma, we are referring to the conflict between two different subgroup identities. Side Note: this is not to be confused with multiple personality or dissociative identity disorder. If you are experiencing symptoms of dissociation, this article is not for you.
However, if you are having [or have ever had] mild conflicts between your subgroup identities, such as low-self esteem, anxiety, feeling like you don’t belong, etc. then this article may be for you.
Examples of multiple identities
There are tons of examples of multiple identities. Just take a look at your own life. For the purposes of this article, the best example I can give is one of myself.
I am proud to be beginning my professional career. With a master’s degree and tons of college debt under my belt there really isn’t any turning back now. But here’s the thing: I don’t want to. I chose to be a social worker and I love what I do. I really enjoy helping people and I don’t think I would feel complete without it. I identify fully as a professional.
On the other hand, there is an equally important identity that I hold as a photographer and content creator. Showing people how to find the beauty within themselves through art is just mwah *chef’s kiss* beautiful. I noticed that part of what works (for me) is having a creative outlet to showcase my emotions. For me, that outlet typically involves a camera and a 50mm lens. I also identify fully as a Creative.
Of course there are other examples of multiple identities overlapping. Look at the areas in your own life. Where do you notice conflicts happening? Maybe you’re a painter but you are also into math or science. Maybe you can sing but you’re also really good at software development. Maybe you’re not so creative in the traditional sense but you really have a thing for plants and the environment in addition to you being an entrepreneur. Or, maybe you’re gay and religious. (Oop. someone isn't gonna like that one).
Whatever you identify as, it doesn’t have to conflict.
Society will try to convince you that you have to choose. To be one thing or the other. But I am here to tell you: You don’t have to choose. You can be a professional and a creative! You can be this and that. I spent so much time trying to hide or ignore certain parts of myself because they didn’t fit neatly into the boxes.
That is the reason I started this blog!
To inspire other people who struggle with dual identity and multiple identity and let them know that it is 100% okay to be yourself. In whatever capacity that is. So, without further ado, here are 5 tips on how to be successful-and authentic-even with dual identities.
How to be successful with dual identities
Tip 1: Recognize each identity as its own separate piece of you
The first thing that I learned in this process of overcoming anxiety about having dual identities was to recognize that each identity is separate and unique in its own way.
Instead of looking at myself as 50% photographer and 50% social worker, I began to look at each identity as its own separate piece of me.
So for example, you’re not half painter/ half welder. You are fully a painter because in the moment of painting, you fully identify with being a painter. There is no outside identity (at that moment). Likewise, if you were a welder, the same would be true when you were welding. There is no outside identity-in the moment-of welding.
If you were to follow this line of thinking you might find yourself living a more joyous and fulfilled life. How do I know? Well, because that is kind of how our brains work.
One study conducted by Allison, Crawford, Zamboni, and Soto examined 174 men who identified as gay/bisexual AND black/african american. The participants completed a questionnaire to assess their various levels of racial and sexual identity, psychological distress, social support and more.
The results of the study showed that those who reported higher levels of integration and acceptance of identities experienced higher levels of self-esteem, social support, and overall life satisfaction. Similarly, those who reported lower levels of integration between the identities experienced lower levels of self-esteem, social support, and overall life satisfaction.
In other words, having a healthy view of your identities is a good thing! And can promote a positive outlook on life and of yourself!
Tip 2: Find similarities between the identities
The beautiful thing about dual identity is that we are more alike than we are different. The common thread between all your personalities is: YOU.
The less you focus on how different each identity is, the less isolated you will feel.
People are very complex human beings and nothing about us is black/white.
There are theories in Social work that we use to understand the complexity of human behavior and cognitive functioning.
My favorite is The Ecological Systems theory developed by Urie Brofenbrenner. This theory shows us how each system interacts in a person’s life and how that may influence a person’s behavior.
In this theory, we can see how each system has different functions. The micro system, which includes a person’s immediate life, can often conflict with the social and political systems that we live in.
In other words, the best way to not become overwhelmed by all the different systems functioning in your life is to find commonalities between them: YOU.
Notice how you (individual) sits in the middle. That is because the individual is the common thread. That knowledge can give you some power over these systems and allow you to remain focused on one of the most important parts of life: self-discovery.
Tip 3: Create (or find) avenues to express yourself
Similar to how this blog is a space designed for creatives and professionals, you can create or find spaces that are unique to your different identities.
Sometimes, there isn’t going to be a space that is specifically designed for you. Or there may not be one in your area.
In my case, there weren’t a ton of spaces advertising for career tips and art tips.
So I made one.
If you are an artist, you can create local DIY art spaces in your area and invite others to join for a fun and fulfilling experience.
The more spaces that are created, the easier it will be for other people to figure out where they belong. You can start a blog, host an event, or start a small group.
If you see a gap in your area of expertise where something is lacking, you can (and should) definitely be the one to fill it. Don’t be afraid to be that missing puzzle piece!
Tip 4: Find community and safe spaces with people who may relate
This is a great tip for anyone but it really helps with someone experiencing multiple identities and looking for places where they “fit in”.
If you’re into art, a quick google search for local art spaces should bring up a large list of local theatres, museums, and clubs. But depending on your city, you may not find the community you’re looking for.
In this case, I would try using sites like Yelp which has categories to make searching easy and efficient, Meetup which is a great way to meet groups of people, find support, and explore your interests, and Eventbrite where you can discover or create events (some of which are free) and find like minded people there.
However, there are tons of other ways to meet like minded people and find communities that you relate to.
Social media is probably the most innovative way to find groups of people. From searching hashtags on Twitter, following venues on Instagram, and joining Facebook Groups there are tons of new and creative ways to find people you relate to.
But, if none of this sounds like your cup of tea, you can always find safe spaces the old fashioned way through friends, family, work, or by simply walking outside and browsing your area .
Tip 5: Realize that you can’t please everyone
This one is really just a general rule of thumb. Sometimes you may feel the pressure of other people’s perceptions weighing on you. Recognize the beauty in it being impossible to please everyone and let it free you!
Some identities come with more societal backlash than others.
While there are tons of coping mechanisms to combat the psychological distress from holding certain identities, ultimately the best one is accepting self.
Sure, you can code switch, adjust your behavior, and find safe spaces/communities, but at some point, you must become comfortable being YOU.
That type of strength, the strength to be unapologetically yourself is not just a statement, it is the catalyst for social change.
When people see that they can stand firm in their identities despite the social stigma it may cause, it can ignite the psyche and produce a response that can change the dynamics of the world we live in today.
People often tend to fear what they cannot understand.
Let’s get more people understanding themselves and the complex unique identities within them so that it can lead to more grace and understanding for the complex unique identities within others.
The more people we get to be truly comfortable and accepting of themselves, the better we will be as a society. But it all starts with you.
Takeaways
The main takeaways from this article are this:
Everyone has multiple identities. It is also known as dual identity, intersectionality, groups/subgroups, and more. It is not uncommon to have multiple identities. However, when these identities begin to cause minor conflicts in your life, problems can arise. Because we are all complex human beings with so many multiple systems working together, it can be hard to focus on the most important part: yourself.
There are plenty of coping mechanisms for handling the pushback that certain identities may bring. However, you can only code switch or adjust your behavior for so long. The best way to combat these issues is by accepting self and becoming comfortable with who you are.
You should try to find like minded spaces and people that you relate to and can assist you on your self-love journey. However, if your identities are too distinct or if there are not a ton of spaces in your area, you may need to create one. This isn’t as easy as doing a quick google search but the time and effort put into creating these spaces is much needed work. Don’t be afraid to become the gap filler.