AI is about to send millions to ‘professional identity purgatory.’ Here’s what I discovered after my 30 year career crashed to a halt
By Geoff Curtis
On November 7, 2023, my career ended—not with a dramatic firing or a bitter exit, but through an acquisition that rendered my role redundant. After nearly three decades in the industry and nine years in an executive position at a biotech company, I found myself in a void. This experience led me to coin the term “professional identity purgatory.”
Understanding Professional Identity Purgatory
Professional identity purgatory is a state of transition, a space between who you were professionally and who you might become. In Catholic theology, purgatory is an in-between state—not heaven, not hell, but a passage of purification before something better. This metaphor resonates deeply with those experiencing a professional identity crisis, as it encapsulates the disorientation of losing a long-held identity without knowing what will replace it.
The Impact of AI on Professional Identity
We are currently in a period marked by significant professional transition. Millions are likely to enter “professional identity purgatory” due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The threat posed by AI goes beyond job loss; it challenges the very foundation of professional relevance. For generations, individuals built their self-worth on durable professional identities, but technology is disrupting this continuity.
The Uncertainty of Professional Relevance
As AI continues to evolve, many professionals will face the unsettling realization that their expertise and roles may not hold the same value as before. This uncertainty can be destabilizing, especially for those whose self-worth is tied to their professional identity. The loss of a title or role often leads to an existential crisis, prompting questions such as:
- Who am I without my job?
- What happens when my expertise is no longer needed?
- How do I redefine my identity in a rapidly changing landscape?
Lessons from My Experience in Purgatory
While I do not have a definitive framework or set of tools to navigate professional identity purgatory, I have gathered some insights from my journey that may help others facing similar challenges.
1. Stop Filling Voids with Noise
After losing my job, my first instinct was to fill my calendar with familiar activities—networking coffees, mentoring conversations, and advisory roles. While these are legitimate pursuits, they also served as a form of avoidance. Purgatory is uncomfortable by design; it is trying to convey a message. Staying busy can make it difficult to hear that message.
2. Let Your Identity Be Provisional
I often find myself introducing myself with my former title, now prefixed with “former.” There is no shame in this. Learning to hold your professional identity loosely is crucial during this transitional phase. It involves trying on new versions of yourself rather than clinging to the old one.
3. Redefine What Expertise Means
While AI may automate many tasks, it cannot replicate essential human qualities such as judgment, relationships, and context. These attributes do not disappear with a job title; they simply need a new vehicle. Embracing this shift can lead to new opportunities and avenues for professional fulfillment.
The Importance of Embracing Purgatory
Professional identity purgatory is not a detour; for many, it may be the most significant period in their careers. It is a time for introspection, where the question shifts from “What do I do now?” to “Who am I when I’m not doing it?”
Facing AI-Driven Disruption
As AI continues to reshape the workforce, professionals may not lose their jobs overnight. However, when the inevitable does occur, many will confront the harsh reality that their professional identity has been closely tied to their sense of self. The structure, daily purpose, and identity that come with a job can be profoundly impactful.
The Instinct to Run
When faced with this void, the instinct is often to run—to fill the emptiness, project confidence, and quickly land the next opportunity. I have experienced this urge firsthand. However, the purgatories we often seek to escape may be the very spaces we need for growth and reflection.
Learning to Be Still
As I continue to navigate my own professional identity purgatory, I am learning the value of stillness. For the first time in thirty years, I am allowing myself to simply be, rather than constantly striving for the next achievement. This period of reflection may ultimately lead to greater clarity about my identity and purpose.
Conclusion
In a world increasingly influenced by AI, the concept of professional identity purgatory will likely resonate with many. As we face the uncertainties of the future, it is crucial to embrace this transitional phase, allowing ourselves to redefine our identities and find new meaning beyond our previous roles.
Note: This article is adapted from my book, “Embracing Your Own Purgatory,” which is available now.
