She works for a large corporation, one of those giants with over 100 000 employees across the globe. Over the past decade, she has been a steady contributor, consistently delivering results and gradually climbing the corporate ladder. She is not a superstar, but she’s far from mediocre. She describes herself as a loyal and reliable worker.
Recently, the company went through a restructuring, and some of her close colleagues lost their jobs. “You see, it could happen to me anytime. I just turned 55, and I’m not aiming for any promotions or added responsibilities. But even though I keep delivering, I realize I’m just a number in the company”. She enjoys her role in the IT department, and doesn’t aspire to move up, take on large management duties, or leave the company. She is content with where she is, but this realization of being “just a number” began to weigh on her. She can almost see the Damocles sword hanging over her.
“Alright. Let’s say you are just a number. How do you make the most of it?”
That conversation happened nine months ago. Since then, every time we talk, she refers back to that simple question, and I have seen her life gradually shift.
Since her work became 100% remote since COVID, she started working from anywhere. She decided to move from Paris to a smaller city in the west of France. She now spends more time with her family and growing children, has reconnected with friends, and is present for her aging parents, all while maintaining high standards at work.
She gave herself permission to stop asking for permission.
And guess what? She recently told me she is more efficient at work and feels more respected. She is clearer about her priorities, both at work and in her personal life, and she boldly sticks to them.
She acknowledged she is “just a number”, and from that place, she created her own worth.
Your turn… let’s assume you are just a number. How do you make the most of it?
Be brave.
Love,
Delphine
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