A personal reflection on why being a person isn't "professional".

My husband told me recently:


"People like you because you are so honest. Most professional interactions aren't like that."

The more I've reflected on how all of my friends and family talk about their work, the more I've realized that he was on to something.

For many people, going to work means putting on a fake "professional" persona and suppressing their authentic self. The office is not a place to show your eccentricities, strong opinions, or share your feelings. You are lending out your time for money, and you need to fit into the peg of "professionalism" if you want to keep receiving a paycheck at the end of the day.