More Than Just Wine: Six Ways to Rediscover Who We Are Beyond the Industry
By Rachel DelRocco Terrazas
You’ve probably said this a million times, when asked what you do.
"I work in wine."
To the outside world, our profession can seem like the luckiest thing to come by. Alcohol and wine for most people is social, fun, and relaxing. So to get to do that for work is a privilege. But it also means that for industry folk, wine and alcohol pervade our work lives and our outside lives. It can inform our career trajectory, networks, friendships, and how we unwind and relax.
With wine so prevalent in all aspects of our lives, it can be all-consuming. A majority of conversations we have can revolve around wine, while the friends we make and company we keep are likely industry professionals. And we can lose ourselves in the run to keep up, stay productive, and move up in this world.
At what point does our wine identity end, and we, as humans, begin?
Finding a life outside the wine industry seemed impossible but became necessary when I decided to quit drinking. With the time I gained from not drinking and the necessity to find myself outside of alcohol, I was forced to find an identity that didn’t revolve around consumption.
Here are six ways I sought out joy for joy’s sake and in the process, built an identity outside of wine, in the hopes that they may inspire exploration. I discovered that sometimes, we need to step back and away to come back to it with vigor, innovation, and collaborative perspectives.
Classes:
Do you have an interest you haven't been able to pursue? Something you always wanted to try? Check online for virtual classes or in-person at your local community college. Taking a class without something to add to your resume may seem challenging, but sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is something purely for enjoyment. If you still struggle with that, know that I've walked away from some of these classes with inspiration for a work task or an article.
Volunteer:
There's no downside to helping our local communities. Whether it be a shift at a food bank, a neighborhood cleanup, or tutoring. My project is supporting local politics. Sometimes, when we need to stop ruminating about our troubles, that's the time to help someone else. And you get to interact and meet great people along the way.
Hobbies:
Baking, cooking, reading, writing, crossword puzzles, knitting, painting, dancing, gardening, photography, chess. I set aside dedicated periods, sometimes just 15 minutes a day, to read, work on puzzles, or draw in a sketchbook with charcoal just for a brain reset. These can be mindful meditation, paths to meeting new people, or even gaining a new skill set.
Community or Interest Meetups:
There are plenty of ways to meet people who share your interests. I attend recovery meetings, where I meet people of different ages and diverse backgrounds with whom I share something in common. This can be joining a sports team, finding an alumni chapter, or, like a friend of mine, joining a group that's into fountain pens; the possibilities are endless. What's important is to connect and converse with people outside of wine.
Spending time with family & friends, in-person or via Zoom:
Get out of the bubble! Spend time with your tried-and-true family and friends who genuinely know you. I have a weekly coffee date here in Tucson where we talk about life and update each other, rant and rave, and wine is never the center of the conversation.
Reflection and Writing:
Take time to journal and reflect. Remind yourself why you're in the industry and what's important to you regarding your career. Talk to yourself and figure out who you are outside of that as well. Remember, a job is not an identity but a path we choose. And while we're on it, remember to choose you first.
If you need help to even start to consider who you are without your wine key, Healthy Pour has a helpful worksheet as a downloadable PDF on “Identity Building” to get you started.
You are so much more than your business card, your employer, or your career. And that’s something to be celebrated.
Rachel
