Fitting in doesn’t always mean you belong. Many professionals experience this at some point, stepping into roles where they tick all the boxes yet find themselves questioning if it’s really “their place.” While this is often true for young professionals, it can also affect those with years of experience. Staying in a space where you merely fit can lead to lost passion, limited growth, and a sense of detachment. Here’s how to tell if you truly belong or are simply fitting in:
➡️ Do Your Values Align? – Are your personal values in harmony with those celebrated in your workplace, or do they feel mismatched?
➡️ Does Your Work Energize You? – Do you end each day feeling uplifted, or is your energy consistently drained?
➡️ Can You Be Authentic? – Are you able to show up as your true self, or do you feel the need to constantly adapt?
➡️ Are You Building Real Connections? – Are your relationships meaningful and genuine, or do they feel purely transactional?
➡️ Can You Make a Visible Impact? – Are you able to make a notable difference, and do your work and efforts feel seen and appreciated?
➡️ Does This Environment Nurture Your Growth? – Is your workplace fostering the kind of development that truly matters to you?
Before deciding to move on, make sure you’ve truly assessed if you belong. Don’t leave hastily and abandon what you’ve built, but be cautious about staying too long out of fear. Once your mind is clear, move forward positively and decisively, carrying your learnings with you to help find a space where you truly belong. Remember, belonging isn’t just found—it’s also co-created through your actions and ownership.
What do you think?
Best,
Andreas von der Heydt