This would be 2006 when I got laid off from a job I loved. It was not for performance; I had been promoted, received work awards, a high bonus, and extra yearly incentives. The company was doing great and hiring. This was strictly a reorg, which happens, and nobody really knew what the team did and wanted their own people in the roles.
I knew then that I was a number. That is all we are, nothing more. No matter how much a company says they appreciate you, how well you do with a raise or promotion, you are nothing but a number, a means to an end. Somebody to accomplish a goal for a company. This happens to everybody. However, at this time, it was eye-popping and a bit scary. I was 20 years into a work career and approaching that age mid 40s, where it can be complicated to find a new job or one you like. Fortunately, that did work out, and I found a better job, but that one moment made me realize I was dispensable and I no longer cared as much about titles, promotions, salary, or bonus. My concern for the last 20 years was doing what I had to well, 100% effort, but that was it. I did my job and went home.
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