If you are useful, it doesn't mean you are valued (betterthanrandom.substack.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the difference between being useful and being valued in a career, highlighting that being useful means being reliable and efficient, while being valued means being brought into important conversations and having opportunities for growth. The author shares personal experiences to illustrate the difference. Being valued is associated with a clear path for advancement and development, while being useful can lead to stagnation. The article encourages readers to reflect on their own situation and determine whether they are valued or just useful.

Main themes

• career development
• value vs usefulness
• office politics
• corporate culture
• personal relationships
• luck and circumstance
• apathy and detachment

What commenters say

• Being valued is not the same as being useful, and one can be useful without being valued.
• Some argue that being both useful and valued is the ideal situation, as being valued without being useful can lead to being seen as a non-essential employee.
• Office politics and cooperation with others are seen as important for being valued, but others argue that this can be toxic and prioritize self-interest over actual work.
• Luck and circumstance can play a significant role in being valued or laid off, regardless of one's usefulness or value to the company.
• Some believe that businesses do not truly value their employees, and that family and personal relationships are more important for feeling valued.
• Others argue that being apathetic and detached is the best approach when dealing with corporations, as they do not prioritize employee well-being or happiness.
• The concept of being valued is complex and can depend on various factors, including industry, company culture, and individual circumstances.
• Some argue that the ability to be replaced is not a reliable indicator of one's value, as institutional knowledge and loyalty can be undervalued.