In 2022, I was made to question why work is such a defining part of my identity — and whether it should be. It’s very of the zeitgeist. Work being core to identity stopped being en vogue some time ago (maybe rightfully so). But I’ve never really been just a “work to live” person. I love loving what I do. Stubbornly so. I love the idea of callings. That we all have some purpose or gift that — if we’re lucky enough — manifest in our vocations — that thing we’ll spend a whole third of our lives on. 2023 reminded me of that belief. This year gifted me a treasure trove of “pinch me” professional moments. Each one reaffirmed the immense joy and deep sense of purpose I derive from building, creating, storytelling, and doing “work” I feel I was meant to do. It’s made me believe that maybe the universe believes it for me too. I don’t know where this road goes. The side of creative careers/solo hustling/multi-hyphenism we don’t talk enough about are the overwhelming expectations and crushing...