We all have those unspoken roles, at work and at home. Some of us are seen as the “fixers,” the “peacemakers,” or the “idea people.” It’s easy to stay within those lines because they’re comfortable and familiar.
At home, my husband is the one who handles anything that needs fixing. He’s great at it and actually enjoys solving mechanical mysteries. My role? I usually call out his name when something breaks. That’s a skill too, right?
But this week, I decided to do something different.
When the trash compactor started acting up, I didn’t call for backup. I investigated. I figured out what was wrong, grabbed a Phillips screwdriver, and fixed it. It may not sound like much, but for me, it felt thrilling. And the best part? When I told my husband, he was genuinely proud of me.
It got me thinking about how we fall into roles at work too.
We become known for certain strengths, and then those are the only ones people expect, or that we allow ourselves to use. But just because something isn’t “your thing” doesn’t mean it can’t be part of what you do. You don’t have to become the expert fixer; you can still handle some repairs.
The same goes for work. Maybe you’re the reliable project manager who rarely speaks up in big meetings, but you’ve got sharp instincts you haven’t shared. Or maybe you’re not known for your sense of humor, but you’ve got a great joke that lightens the mood at just the right time. Tapping into a skill or strength you haven’t used yet, just because someone else usually handles that space, can shift how others see you and how you see yourself.
So the next time the opportunity comes up—whether it’s fixing something, cracking a joke, or raising your hand for a stretch assignment—take it. Step out of your “usual” role, official or not.
And yes, that’s proud me in the photo, and in the corner is our dog Pippa. I’m not sure if she was curious about what Mom was doing or just attracted to the trash smell 🙂