I find it sad and depressing that people essentially work themselves to death.

Many years ago, when I was in my mid 20's, I had a kind of epiphany, and realized that I really was not my job. At the time I was an airline ticket agent at National Airport in Washington DC (DCA, for those up on the three letter airport codes). I'd let myself be defined by the job. Then I became a docent for the Natural History Museum of the Smithsonian. Wow. I not only learned all sorts of wonderful things, but came to realize that I was not my job. I also went back to school, which was itself wonderful.

That changed me profoundly. I understood that I was myself, a human being with various attributes and qualities that had nothing to do with my job.

My job at DCA was an important part of me. It did define me in many ways, but I didn't let it be the only way of defining me. I have long felt fortunate that I made that change, and I honestly feel sorry for those who think they are their job.