Cranky Old Lady

 Yup.  I'm there.  I'm a cranky old lady.  With any luck and the grace of God, you will reach my age as well.  Here's my list of advice.  Please, feel free to take my advice.  God knows I'm not going to use it.

1.  You are not nearly as important as you think you are.  Do not get sucked into thinking workplace and external accolades replaces family and other personal relationships.  You will be sorely disappointed on your death bed thinking the company guys who presented with you with a plaque at the obligatory, ceremonial rubber chicken dinner with the cheezy photo opportunity that will feature you for the weekly publication of "The Company Newsletter" nobody actually reads for "best manager of the year" actually gives a sh*t about you -  and will be there at the end of your life.  They won't be there for you as you take your last breaths.  Truth bomb:  You were replaced 10 years ago.  They are just trying to be nice about it now giving you something to hang on the wall while they kick your @ss out the door.  

2.   You are actually as important as you think you are.  Yes, this contradicts the above statement.  However, do NOT invest your soul's energy into corporate and workplace endeavors.  You will always be disappointed when soul-sucker Sam, who wears a cape with the company logo and gets a promotion instead of you, gets a bust in his likeness in the corporate hall of (sh)fame.  However, you will *never* be disappointed in being there when your daughter takes her first steps and says da-da for the first time.  Priceless.  

3.  Yes, we all need to play the "work game" to some extent.  Just be realistic about the end result.  Once you leave your job you will be replaced and forgotten in no time.  You will be lucky if anybody remembers you two years after you left your 30+ year career working your heart and soul out for Company X meaning missing birthday parties, anniversaries, and other special family events for the ceremonial rubber chicken dinners you attended for those who are now long forgotten.  Do you reach out to them?  I don't think so.  You are too busy wrapped up in your own life to remember those who sacrificed for the "company."  The same will go for you.  

4.  However, your family will NEVER forget about you.  That is if you have not already alienated them after years of neglect by ignoring them while chasing your ego's ghost.  Sorry, but your daughter named little Cindy will never understand why you had to miss her dance recital because Client George decided to ride into town a night early and wanted Cindy's daddy to take him to dinner so he did not have to put out his own credit card for the expense.