I was inspired by a friend; Jonathan Tunde-Wright. He is a wonderful coach and I recommend you check him out if you are in need of some help with introspection and guidance. He made the following statement in the context of #keepingitreal:
"Code-switching is a survival tactic, not a betrayal of self. Authenticity is finding the balance between honouring your identity and navigating systemic barriers."
Code-switching, the practice of altering one's language, behaviour, or appearance to conform to different cultural norms depending on the context, is often seen as a necessary "skill" for navigating various social and professional environments. For many, particularly those from marginalized or mixed backgrounds, code-switching can be a survival tactic rather than a betrayal of self. It allows individuals to adapt to the expectations and norms of different groups, thereby reducing potential conflict and enhancing their ability to connect and succeed.
Authenticity and Navigating Systemic Barriers
I'm wundring if authenticity in this context is about finding a balance between honouring one's identity and effectively navigating systemic barriers. For a professional of mixed race background, this balance has been particularly challenging. I recognise my identity as a person of both Jamaican and English heritage brings a unique perspective, but it also means I face different expectations and biases in various settings.
I realise that the struggle to maintain authenticity while code-switching has been exhausting and has led to feelings of imposter syndrome, where I doubt my abilities and feel like a fraud despite evident success. This is especially common among those who feel they must constantly adapt to fit into environments that do not fully accept or understand their cultural background.
Imposter Syndrome and the Reluctance to Return to Full-Time Employment
Imposter syndrome can significantly impact one's confidence and sense of belonging, particularly in professional settings. As a black man, I believe the internal conflict between different cultural identities and the pressure to conform to dominant norms has exacerbated these feelings in me. This can make full-time employment environments, which often require extensive code-switching and adaptation, feel particularly uncomfortable or unwelcoming.
I am suspicious that reluctance to return to full-time employment may indeed be tied to this discomfort. The need to constantly navigate different cultural expectations and potentially face implicit biases can create a sense of alienation. Specifically, I recognise my need for an environment where I can be authentic and feel a strong sense of belonging.
Embracing Community and Holistic Development
My recent focus on slowing down and engaging with like-minded individuals has highlighted the benefits of community support and holistic development. By immersing myself in a supportive community, I am finding comfort and enrichment.
Community-supported development emphasises the importance of mutual support and shared experiences. It allows for a more inclusive approach to personal and professional growth, where individuals can honour their identities while contributing to the collective well-being. This holistic approach can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with imposter syndrome, as it fosters a sense of belonging and validation that is often lacking in more traditional, individualistic settings.
Navigating the balance between authenticity and adaptation is an ongoing process.
Here are some strategies I will employ:
1. Seek Inclusive Work Environments: Look for workplaces that value diversity and inclusivity. These environments are more likely to appreciate and support my unique background, reducing the need for constant code-switching.
2. Build Support Networks: Continue to cultivate relationships with like-minded individuals who understand and support my experiences. These networks can provide emotional support and practical advice, helping you navigate professional challenges more effectively.
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Recognize that feelings of imposter syndrome are common and not a reflection of my true abilities. Practice self-compassion and remind myself of my accomplishments and strengths.
4. Advocate for Change: Use my experiences to advocate for more inclusive practices within organizations. By sharing my story and promoting diversity, I can help create environments where others can feel more comfortable and authentic.
5. Balance Self and Community: Continue to explore and balance my individual goals with community-oriented development by finding ways to integrate my personal journey with collective well-being.
My journey towards embracing community support and authenticity is perhaps in part a response to the challenges of imposter syndrome and the pressures of traditional employment. By focusing on holistic development and fostering inclusive environments, I can better navigate these challenges while honouring my unique identity.
A Final Thought: Extract from Pivot Year
Day 42
Until you confront the shadow of your own self-disapproval, you will always be gazing out at the world in fear of who might not love you completely, who might draw your awareness to the part of you that already believes you are unworthy of being appreciated, of being fully and truly known. You must find a way to make peace with yourself, even if you cannot madly love every last aspect of who you are. You must come to a place of believing you deserve respect, even if you are still a work in progress. You must learn to see yourself with kinder eyes.
Another extract from The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest. Good timing! Day 42 aligns to the wundring above. It has reminded me that, as much as I can take the steps above to foster an environment to live and work within, I must also manage my inner-world and my own sense of self worth.
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