Sitting at home with bronchitis, in a rare moment of pessimism for me, I feel it’s time to write a post that some might find a little tough.
There’s no such thing as an irreplaceable person. Anywhere. What we do have, though, is a false sense of importance, something all too familiar to people who work tirelessly for the greater good of society or a company, thinking, “Who else if not me?”
I came to terms with this truth a while ago, but every now and then, I have to remind myself that it’s the case. No matter how well you do your job, you can always be replaced. Maybe not immediately, maybe not for the same salary, maybe not at the same quality, maybe they’ll even regret losing you—but the fact remains: you can be replaced.
We often see unfair situations happening to friends, colleagues, family, and we wonder, “How could this happen? They were doing great work, loyal to the company, delivering above-average results—why let them go?” The thing is, there can be a million reasons for it, and loyalty or excellent performance isn’t always enough to guarantee stability. HR, by the way, can’t always help either.
The simplest reason, as ridiculous as it sounds, is that people just don’t get along. There’s a clash of personalities, vibes, and it grates on a subconscious level. There’s no logical explanation, it just happens. And no matter how good you are, if you irritate your boss or an influential colleague, 99% of the time, it’ll end in “Next one out.” And when that happens, the farewell is rarely graceful, there’s bargaining during the exit, and it’s all pretty messy. Suddenly, no one remembers your achievements, except maybe your colleagues who are left wondering, “Am I next?”
So what can you do? Even in the best circumstances, always remember that everything can change, and this can happen to anyone. I’m definitely not suggesting you live in constant fear or anxiety. In fact, I’m usually the most positive person in the room and always encourage others to be the same. But in the back of your mind, keep in mind that the world is full of different people, and sometimes things just don’t go according to plan.
You need to stay cautious. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Have a Plan B. This applies to both employment and business—partners are people too. Here are a few ways you can do this:
1. Develop a range of skills
Don’t limit yourself to just one area. Strengthen your capabilities in different directions, so you can always switch to another field if things don’t go as planned.
2. Build a network
Nurture relationships not just within your company but also beyond it. Meet people from various industries, attend professional events. This will help not only in difficult times but also open up new opportunities.
3. Personal safety fund
A financial cushion gives you time and space in case of unforeseen circumstances. It allows you to make decisions calmly, rather than out of fear of being left with nothing.
4. Emotional resilience
No matter how tough things get, it’s important to maintain inner calm and balance. This helps you assess situations clearly and make informed decisions.
5. Plan your growth
Don’t get stuck in your current responsibilities. Set long-term goals, keep learning, and try out new roles. This gives you confidence that you’ll always have backup options.
But here’s where the magic of life lies—it’s unpredictable. Every change can be the beginning of something new and better. The key is to always be ready for change, not to fear it, but to see it as an opportunity for growth. Build your life in such a way that its stability doesn’t depend on one role or one person. And that, I believe, is where true strength lies: no matter the circumstances, you’ll always find your way!