Written By Cari Borden

I saw a post today that said something along the lines of:

“Be the person they can’t replace.”

Sounds motivational, right?
Until you realize… it’s not.

Let me be clear: we are all replaceable. Titles, roles, even “high performers” when companies restructure, people go. When leadership changes, favorites shift. When profits dip, loyalty disappears. Being “irreplaceable” is a myth sold to employees to keep them over-functioning, over-giving, and over-compromising themselves.

But let’s go one step further, that mindset doesn’t just lie to you. It changes you.
Suddenly, you’re bending over backwards to be agreeable. You quiet your instincts. You let a toxic comment slide. You skip lunch, overextend, apologize when you shouldn’t. All in the name of being “that person they can’t lose.” But guess what?

They still can. And often, they will.

So here’s my take:
Stop trying to be irreplaceable.
Start trying to be uncompromisingly you.

Be the one who:

• Speaks up (even when it’s uncomfortable).
• Sets boundaries (even when it’s unpopular).
• Walks away (even when it’s scary).

Let your work speak, let your values anchor, and let your presence be missed, not because you bent to stay, but because you stood tall when it mattered.

If being replaceable means I didn’t morph into something I’m not?
I’ll wear that like a badge of honor.

If you’ve ever been told to “just play the game,” and you’re done with the politics and pretending — let’s talk. I coach real people through real career transitions.
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