It took me a long time to know who I am apart from what I do. I still struggle with it. For the last 19 months I have been unemployed. I'm technically self employed through my business consulting company, but with no substantial work or income for that span (except for one project with a friend).
I have walked with the Lord for over 20 years, but as an "achiever" it has been extremely challenging for me to detach worth from income. God has been showing me that my worth was established at the foundation of the world when God decided who I would be and gave me value based on His love for me. Accepting this has opened my eyes to the gift of this season.
Not having traditional work has given me tremendous capacity to support my wife through an enormously stressful season of work. I’ve had time to nurture my kids who are each going through their early teenage transitions and ever increasing challenges with school, culture, and faith. I’ve had opportunity to serve local non-profits, become active in my church community, and even start a dream project (He Did It). The Lord knows I’m ready to work, but I’ve learned to enjoy this season and accept His timing and plan (whatever that may be).