There’s No Loyalty in Employer vs. Employee: A Reality Check from Terrance Stewart

Reality Check from Terrance Stewart

Let’s be honest: the idea of loyalty between employers and employees is often a one-sided illusion. I’m sure many of you have felt the sting of this truth at some point in your careers. Corporations and big businesses only care about one thing—profit. You’re just a number to them, a cog in the machine. If you were to pass away tomorrow, the company would replace you without hesitation. And that’s not loyalty; that’s business.

Let me share a story that sticks with me to illustrate this harsh reality.

Miss Angell: The Reality of Corporate Disregard

I once worked with a woman named Angell, or "Miss Angell" as we lovingly called her. She worked with me for years, and there wasn’t a day I didn’t see her at work. Miss Angell was one of those rare employees who showed up every day, always ready to work, always with a smile on her face. She operated the big press machine in the factory, and no one could deny her dedication. She was always there, giving it her all.

But the last time I talked to her, I noticed she seemed worried. She was concerned about the job, and that stuck with me. At that time, we were hardly getting any hours due to management changes, and the new director seemed to thrive on keeping us worried about losing our jobs. I could see Miss Angell stressing about her future, and it saddened me.

Miss Angell was a beautiful soul. She loved her family, friends, and coworkers. She was always the first to lend a helping hand. But one weekend, Miss Angell passed away. The company sent flowers to her wake, and they even put a sign on her press that read "Angell Press." It was a nice gesture, but the reality is, the company replaced her immediately. I never heard her name mentioned again after that. She was a memory, replaced by someone else who would run that press just as efficiently.

This is the reality for many workers in corporate America. You are replaceable. And the loyalty you give to your employer is rarely reciprocated. They’ll keep the business running, with or without you. And they’ll never look back to appreciate the sweat, tears, and years of hard work you gave them.

Working a Job That Doesn’t Align with Your True Purpose? Quit and Find Your Exit.

I’ve seen it all too often. People stay in jobs that drain them, day after day, all in the name of security or loyalty. But what are you really loyal to? A paycheck? A company that views you as expendable? If you’re not aligned with your true purpose, it’s time to make a change. Here's why:

Story 1: The Corporate Jailer

I knew a guy named Kevin who worked at a massive insurance company. He climbed the corporate ladder, moving up quickly. He had all the accolades—fancy title, good pay, the corner office—but something was off. Kevin was miserable. His passion had always been graphic design, but he was stuck in a suit-and-tie world that never appreciated his creativity. Every day, he felt more like a corporate jailer than a professional. He spent his life in meetings, dealing with clients who only cared about profits.

One day, Kevin realized something important: no amount of money or status could replace his happiness. He quit his job without another one lined up. It was terrifying, but it was the best decision of his life. Kevin started his own design firm, and now, he’s more successful and fulfilled than he ever was at that insurance company. His story reminds us that loyalty to your true calling and purpose will always lead to fulfillment, even if it means leaving a “secure” job.

Story 2: Sarah, the Burned-Out Manager

Sarah had been working as a store manager at a major retail chain for years. She was a hard worker, the go-to person when things went wrong. But over time, the endless hours, lack of recognition, and toxic environment wore her down. She began to feel like a cog in a machine, working tirelessly to make someone else’s dreams a reality while her own passion faded away.

It all came to a head one day when her supervisor asked her to stay late again for the third time that week. Sarah was exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally. She realized her health and happiness were more important than any retail job. So, she left. Sarah took a break, traveled the world, and eventually found her true calling in interior design. Today, she runs a successful design business, and she credits her escape from the corporate grind as the catalyst for her growth.

Story 3: James, The Overworked Engineer

James had always dreamed of becoming an engineer, and after years of hard work, he landed a job with a well-known tech company. At first, it was everything he hoped for: challenging projects, a great team, and impressive perks. But over time, things changed. The work became more demanding, the deadlines tighter, and the pressure unbearable. James found himself working nights and weekends, sacrificing time with his family and friends. He became burned out, disconnected from his purpose, and started resenting the very career he once loved.

It wasn’t until James hit a breaking point—feeling physically and emotionally drained—that he realized the job he was doing no longer served him. He left the tech company and started his own consulting business. Today, James works on projects that excite him, with clients who value his expertise, and he has time to enjoy his life. His story is proof that even in a field you’re passionate about, you can still lose your way if the work doesn’t align with your true values.

Final Thoughts: Loyalty Isn’t Always to Your Employer

I hope these stories remind you that you don’t owe your employer any loyalty, especially when that loyalty isn’t returned. Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you stuck in a job that drains you. You have the power to change your path, find your purpose, and pursue a career that aligns with who you are. If you’re not growing, if your job doesn’t fuel your passion, then it’s time to make a change. Your true calling is out there—don’t settle for anything less. You owe it to yourself to build the life and career you truly deserve.