You are probably like many others who have the dream of working for a company and moving up the corporate ladder. You give all your time and energy to growing within the company and to being rewarded with titles and compensation.  You are a loyal employee and you believe the company is loyal to you.

Well, dreams do often come true but not always in the corporate world. I understand that some people have lived a dream and have reached the top in one company. You have to understand the reality is that companies are about profits and margins and not about humans. In the end, companies worry about the bottom line before they ever worry about those who are working for them. 

You may disagree with what I am saying, but everyone has their own opinion and perspective. You need to understand as you move through your corporate career that you are a number and not a human. You were given a number when you started with the company and that is still how you are considered. You are just one of the cogs in the machine that they use to make a profit. You might be saying to yourself right now; “Not me. They will take care of me. I have given my life for this company.” The reality is that profit comes first, profits come second, and third is you may fall out of their liking.

You may believe that you are essential and irreplaceable. Well, you are replaceable. For example, Apple lost Steve Jobs when he passed away from cancer. Everyone was concerned about what was going to happen to Apple once it lost its visionary. Tim Cook stepped into his shoes and has continued to move Apple forward in new directions. There are many examples out there that you can find where people are replaceable whether they are fired or leave a company.

What I want you to focus on is your skillset and who you are as a person and as an employee. This is the most important thing you need to consider when you work for a company. This will allow you the opportunity to change careers or leave a company to find new opportunities based on your purpose and skill set. I do believe in dreams coming true, but you need to understand the reality of life so that you can prepare yourself for that potential day when you are let go from the job that you loved. You need to be the CEO of your career and life and stay ahead of the curve, so you know what is ahead of you. There are so many wonderful opportunities out there and you do not want to get caught up in the dust and head trash that happens when you are let go while you thought you were not replaceable. 

You have a purpose and a unique set of talents and skills to offer so many companies and so many opportunities as an entrepreneur.  Keep this in mind as you pursue your dreams and move through the corporate world. You will do amazing things, but understand that your career is not your identity. Your identity is who you are every day with your family, friends, and colleagues in carrying out your purpose and passions in life. Make sure you are taking time to develop yourself personally for yourself, your family, and your friends.  

You have so many unique talents and skills that need to be shared with the world. There are so many activities and adventures waiting for you.

Step outside and live life beyond the corporate walls.

Author(s)

  • Mark Danaher

    Career, Life and Leadership Coach, Virtual Speaker and Trainer

    Careers by Design LLC

    Mark Danaher is a career/life/leadership coach and certified career counselor who helps leaders elevate their careers and life to one they will love.  He helps his clients make the best of tough situations so they can be their best professionally and personally.   Mark uses coaching along with his extensive career development knowledge and expertise to offer his clients a uniquely holistic approach to making career and life pivots.  He helps his clients manage burnout, stress, and anxiety, integrate balance into their lives so they can make a meaningful change in their lives. He uses a holistic narrative career approach to help people tell their stories and learn from their careers and life.  Mark completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut in Economics and History and went on to earn his Masters at the University of Connecticut in Counseling Psychology.   Mark was the President of the National Career Development Association in 2014-2015 and continues to volunteer for the organization.   He is certified as a Certified Professional Coach, Certified Career Counselor, Holistic Narrative Career Professional, Retirement Options Coach, 2 Young to Retire Coach, Job, and Career Development Coach, Job and Career Transition Coach, and a Certified Career Service Provider.  Mark is a Master Trainer for the Facilitating Career Development Certificate and School Career Development Advisor certificate is actively coaching training, and teaching throughout the year.  He is now a Master Practioner of the Energy Leadership Index which is a great assessment to understand how you use your energy in your everyday life and under stress.  It gives you a great insight into how you can improve your everyday interactions and connections with colleagues, employees, family, and beyond.