“19 years of loyalty terminated in 60 seconds. Corporate reality.” — Margin Call (2011)

Corporate life teaches a hard truth: there is no true loyalty between an employee and an organization. My belief is simple — loyalty belongs to yourself, your close family circle, and the people you genuinely care about.

When you work for a company, you’ve signed a contract. That means you are obligated to give your best — to be professional, deliver results, and honor your commitments — even if the culture is toxic or the pay is less than you deserve. That’s not loyalty to the company; that’s loyalty to your own integrity.

The mistake many make is believing corporate loyalty is mutual. It isn’t. Companies operate on business interests, not emotional bonds. Decisions are made in boardrooms, not in the hearts of managers. As shown in Margin Call, years of dedication can be erased in a single meeting.

Your career security must be built outside company walls — through skills, networks, and opportunities that no organization can take away overnight. Give your best work while you’re there, but never surrender your sense of independence.

Because in the end, corporate life is temporary. Your loyalty to yourself is permanent.