Loyalty as a trait is associated with trustworthiness, reliability, commitment, patience and resilience. And, although it's an admirable value, it can turn toxic when it's misplaced.
Imagine this scenario for a second: your company is facing serious financial problems which has recently led to lay offs. Your team is gone and there is a skeleton crew remaining at the company to keep the lights on. The leadership is making efforts to save the situation but, in the meantime, you are expected to still somehow deliver the output of your entire (long gone) team. There is no guaranteed reward for all this work and, if anything, you are terrified that you will be the next one to go.
You joined the company with big hopes: it would be a great way to develop your #career and perhaps, you even really believed in their mission or product. Perhaps they were also a fair and supportive employer and you loved your team. But, at what point do you think that the line was crossed and you staying with the company started to have harmful consequences?
The ugly side of (misplaced) loyalty:
#Burnout and mental health issues.
Missed opportunities for career advancement.
Decreased job satisfaction and #motivation.
Potential damage to professional reputation.
The most important thing to remember if you find yourself in a similar situation is that you are the only person responsible for your career and your health. Making the decision to leave might seem selfish but there must be a clear line between selfishness and self-care.
Don't get me wrong: long-term #employment can have tremendous benefits and you can have amazing opportunities for growth within the same company. However, the relationship has to be MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL.
✅ A quick check to assess if your long-term employment is still valuable:
Review Job Titles and Responsibilities: Look at your job titles over the years. Have they changed to reflect increased responsibility and expertise?
Promotions and Raises: Have you received promotions or salary increases that reflect your growing skills and contributions?
Training Opportunities: Assess whether your employer provides opportunities for professional #development, such as workshops, courses, or certifications.
New Skills: Reflect on the new #skills you’ve acquired during your tenure. Are these skills valuable and in demand in your industry?
Enjoyment and Engagement: Do you enjoy your work and feel engaged with your tasks and projects?
Work Environment: Consider the company culture and work environment. Do you feel respected, valued, and supported?
Competitive Salary: Compare your salary and benefits package with industry standards. Is your compensation competitive?
Financial Health: Assess the financial health and stability of your employer. Is the company growing, profitable, and secure?
Acknowledgment: Do you receive regular recognition and appreciation for your work?