Back when I was early in my career, I made the mistake of being the “reliable one.” I took pride in stepping up during chaotic times - worked unpaid overtime, solved problems others didn’t want to deal with, became the go-to person for managers to offload onto. And what did it get me? Burnout. No recognition. No reward. Just more expectations.
I learned the hard way: don’t be the dependable one when it counts the most for them and the least for you.
During reorgs, the so-called dependable ones often draw the shortest straw. You could do everything right and still end up on the layoff list. Meanwhile, the folks who coast and stay under the radar? Often just fine.
So look out for yourself. This company, your manager, and 90% of your team? They don’t care about you, not when it matters. Act accordingly.