For years, we’ve been told that finding the “perfect” job will complete us. That if we just hustle hard enough, climb high enough, we’ll discover purpose—and maybe even a sense of self-worth. But the world of work is shifting. And more and more people—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are realizing: we’ve been sold the wrong story.
It’s not that meaningful work doesn’t matter. It does. But careers built solely around job titles or external validation are leaving many professionals feeling burned out and disconnected. The pressure to tie identity to work is especially heavy for Black and bicultural professionals navigating industries that weren’t built with them in mind.
The Pitfalls of “I Work, Therefore I Am”
A 2024 study in the Netherlands revealed that 44% of professionals feel emotionally drained due to a misalignment between personal values and workplace expectations. The result? Disillusionment. Fatigue. A deep questioning of identity.
For many bicultural professionals in Europe, the job search already feels like trying to fit a multidimensional story into a one-page resume. Add in constant role-shifting, limited leadership opportunities, and workplace cultures that demand performance over authenticity—and it’s no surprise people are looking for something different.
Career growth for Black professionals in Europe means more than just getting hired. It’s about doing work that aligns with your values—and being seen for who you are.
What Happens When We Can’t Be Ourselves?
“Bring your whole self to work” sounds good—until your whole self doesn’t fit neatly into corporate culture. Authenticity still feels risky. And for many professionals, especially those from marginalized communities, the pressure to perform or conform comes at a high cost.
Dr. Gabor Maté frames this as the tension between authenticity and attachment. As children, we have two basic needs: the need for attachment (being accepted, belonging to a group) and the need for authenticity (staying true to ourselves). When these needs conflict, attachment almost always wins—because survival depends on belonging.
This doesn’t just apply to childhood—it plays out in the workplace, too. Many professionals sacrifice their authenticity to fit into rigid corporate cultures, align with expectations, or maintain job security. They learn to mute parts of themselves, suppress opinions, or adopt a work persona that feels safe but inauthentic. And over time, this disconnection from the true self leads to stress, burnout, and even physical illness.
A 2024 Utrecht University study found that professionals who feel free to express their authentic selves report significantly higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels. The reason? When we don’t have to perform or mask parts of ourselves, we conserve energy, build real connections, and feel a deeper sense of alignment.
This is what’s missing in so many traditional workplaces: the freedom to evolve.
Authenticity isn’t about sticking to one version of yourself forever—it’s about honoring the fact that who you are and what you need from work will change over time.
The Rise of Multidisciplinary and Portfolio Careers
The old model of work—one job, one path, one employer—is crumbling. More professionals are embracing portfolio careers, blending multiple roles, industries, and income streams. For bicultural and Black professionals, this shift isn’t just a trend—it’s a form of resistance.
In a 2024 survey, 54% of young professionals across Europe said they aspire to a portfolio career. Why?
- More autonomy: They want to build work around their values and lifestyle.
- More opportunity: Working across fields allows them to diversify income and develop new skills.
- More alignment: They’re creating careers that reflect their identities, not just their resumes.
Need inspiration? Meet Henry Barima
“Hi, I’m Henry Barima—pronounced Hen-rie Baa-ree-ma (the English way, not the French). I was born and raised in The Hague, with Ghanaian roots. Growing up between cultures taught me to value different perspectives—something I carry with me in every design I create.” As a UX Designer, I focus on making digital products that are clear, easy to use, and accessible to everyone—including people with visual, motor, or cognitive disabilities. For me, accessibility isn't an add-on; it's the starting point of good design.” One project I’m proud of: redesigning an app for teens in rehabilitation care. By listening closely, co-creating with users, and thinking inclusively, we created something that worked better for more people.”
From launching businesses to freelancing across sectors, many in the Omek community are rewriting the rules of professional identity—choosing career opportunities that reflect their lived experience and multidimensional skill sets.
Redefining Belonging
If careers are becoming more fluid, so is belonging. It’s no longer tied to a single company, title, or industry. For biculturals of African descent—people who naturally move between worlds—this shift opens up new ways to connect, contribute, and create meaning.
In a recent study, 62% of professionals said they feel a greater sense of belonging when they engage with multiple cultural and professional communities.
At Omek, we believe that inclusive companies hiring in Europe must move beyond representation and embrace real transformation—where authenticity, flexibility, and cultural fluency are valued.
This is the future of work—where your identity isn’t something to hide or flatten, but something to build from.