No One is Indispensable
Reflections on Work and Life
"Struggle doesn't make success happen. In fact, struggle can prevent success from happening. If you seek struggle, you will find it. If you seek ease, you will find it." - Rich Fettke
When I first entered the corporate world, I was full of drive and ambition. Like many fresh professionals, I admired colleagues who poured everything into their work, those who stayed long after office hours, worked through weekends without overtime pay, and even went the extra mile by canvassing the cheapest office supplies just to save the company money.
One of them was my immediate manager. She was the epitome of dedication, someone who breathed corporate loyalty. Day after day, she was the last to leave the office, often sacrificing rest, health, and personal life for the sake of “the company.” To many of us, she was an inspiration, a living model of selfless service to her employer.
But then came a restructuring.
I, too, was once affected, moved to another branch because of very same reason. But what shocked me most was when this very manager, this devoted, hardworking person who gave more than anyone else, was suddenly listed for layoff. No warning. No heartfelt explanation. No recognition of her sacrifices. Just a cold, emotionless business decision.
That moment changed my perspective on work forever.
The Harsh Reality of the Corporate World
What I realized that day is something many professionals learn the hard way: the workplace is not family, it is business. You cannot personalize your workplace as if it were your home. Yes, camaraderie exists. Yes, you may build friendships. But at its core, a company’s ultimate goal is survival and profitability.
I often hear people here, say, “No one here is indispensable.” That truth became painfully clear. Even the most dedicated employees can be replaced when the business demands it.
The Balance Between Dedication and Self-Preservation
This is not to say that dedication is useless, far from it. Hard work and commitment are virtues that help us grow, open doors, and build credibility. But dedication without boundaries can be destructive when it comes at the cost of your health, time, or dignity.
Here are some reflections I took away from this experience:
- Work is professional, not personal. Give your best, but never confuse your office with your home.
- Excessive sacrifice is rarely rewarded. Over-exerting yourself without proper recognition or pay is unsustainable.
- Health and family come first. No company can replace your well-being or personal relationships.
- Loyalty must be mutual. If the company cannot guarantee your future, don’t gamble everything for them.
- Always prepare for change. Upskilling, networking, and having a backup plan will protect you from sudden restructuring or layoffs.
A Lesson for Every Professional
Seeing my manager’s fate was both disheartening and eye-opening. It taught me to respect my work but also to respect myself. While I still strive to give my best, I now understand that my worth does not solely lie in the company I work for.
At the end of the day, no one is indispensable in the corporate world. Companies may replace you in an instant, but your health, your dreams, and your life cannot be replaced.
So work hard, but never harder than you are compensated for. Be loyal, but never at the cost of your own well-being. And most importantly, always remember: the company’s survival is their priority. Yours should be your own.