You're Replaceable: A Corporate Reality Check
Before I left the corporate world, I didn’t make the decision lightly. I spent time observing everything around me — the way leadership operated, how decisions were made, how people were recognized, and how promises were kept (or not). I wanted to be sure that if I left, I was making the right decision.
At the time, I had been advocating for myself. I was proud of the contributions I brought to my department and made a case for a promotion based on performance and impact. During my annual review, I asked a direct question:
“What do I need to do in my role to be rated a 5 out of 5?”
The answer? “Most people can get to a 4, but only certain people are a 5.”
That was it. No clear criteria. No roadmap. Just a vague boundary between “good enough” and “exceptional,” guarded by unclear standards.
Still, I stayed patient. I was told they’d look into a promotion, that the HR process was long and drawn out — that these things took time. So I waited. I stayed engaged. I kept doing the work until my only choice was sending a resignation.
And still, nobody followed up. Not a single conversation about my future took place — not until my last day. No closure, no effort. Just silence. And then I found out the truth:
my position had already been posted before I even left.
That’s when everything clicked.
All the meetings, all the language about “process” and “potential” — it was empty. While I was being told one story, plans were already in motion behind the scenes. That was the confirmation I needed.
So here’s the hard truth: you are replaceable in corporate spaces. No matter how dedicated you are, no matter how much value you bring, a company will always do what’s best for them. That’s not bitterness — it’s reality.
And that’s why you have to choose yourself. Always.
Because if it comes down to you or them, the company won’t hesitate to choose themselves.
Choose yourself!
From Experience to Empowerment
Now, I’m turning my story into a way forward — not just for me, but for others. I offer career pivot coaching for professionals who don’t want to be blindsided by corporate promises and delays. For those ready to take ownership of their next chapter, I help guide the transition — whether you're pivoting industries, launching something new, or simply trying to figure out what’s next.
You don’t have to wait for permission to grow. You don’t have to settle for silence.