The Career Lesson Every Professional Needs: Valuing Yourself Before It’s Too Late
- hemander linkcvright
- Dec 24, 2025
- 3 min read
In the workplace, hard work alone doesn’t always guarantee recognition or growth. Many professionals dedicate themselves tirelessly, yet still feel undervalued. Falgun’s story is a perfect example of this—and it offers important lessons for both employees and companies.
What Happened: Falgun’s Journey
Falgun was one of the most dedicated members of his team. He often stayed late, took on extra work, and never hesitated to help his colleagues. On the surface, he seemed like the ideal employee.
However, during annual appraisals, the recognition he deserved never came. He was told:
“Budgets are tight.”
“Next year will be better.”
Despite his consistent effort, Falgun’s salary increases remained minimal, hovering around 3%–5% annually. Over the years, his growth stagnated while his dedication never wavered.
Eventually, Falgun received a job offer from another company that truly valued his skills. Only then did his current employer react—offering a counteroffer with:
A 300% salary increase
A better job title
Promises of growth and recognition
At this point, Falgun asked himself a simple but powerful question:
“If I deserved this today, why not during the appraisal?”
He chose to leave, realizing that recognition and value are not just about hard work—they need to be acknowledged at the right time.
The Key Message: Lessons for Professionals
Falgun’s experience highlights a crucial lesson for professionals:
Hard work is important, but timely recognition is just as essential. Waiting too long to appreciate effort can lead to frustration, stagnation, and eventually, attrition.
Key Takeaways for Professionals:
Know your worth: Don’t wait for others to validate your skills—understand your market value and career potential.
Track your achievements: Maintain a record of projects, results, and contributions. This helps during appraisals, promotions, or job interviews.
Be proactive: If recognition or growth isn’t coming, have a conversation with your manager. Express your goals and expectations clearly.
Be prepared to explore options: Sometimes, the best way to be valued is to consider opportunities where your skills are appreciated.
Update your professional profile: Keep your CV and LinkedIn profile current so that your skills are visible to potential employers.
Lessons for Companies: Why Appraisals Matter
Falgun’s story isn’t just a warning for professionals—it’s a lesson for companies too. Organizations often treat appraisals as a formality rather than a meaningful opportunity to recognize talent.
Lessons for Employers:
Recognition should be timely: Don’t wait until a resignation to offer rewards or promotions.
Appraisals are signals of respect: Employees notice when their contributions are undervalued.
Retain top talent through engagement: Regular feedback, career planning, and rewards prevent attrition and build loyalty.
Avoid reactive measures: Counteroffers after resignations are often too little, too late. Continuous recognition is more effective.
Actionable Career Tips: How to Ensure You’re Valued
Whether you’re an employee or a manager, there are concrete steps you can take to ensure effort translates into growth and recognition:
For Professionals:
Regularly update your CV and LinkedIn profile with achievements.
Set measurable career goals and discuss them during appraisals.
Seek mentorship or coaching to navigate career growth.
Network actively within and outside your organization.
For Companies:
Establish clear performance metrics and rewards.
Conduct frequent, meaningful check-ins instead of annual reviews only.
Celebrate achievements publicly and privately.
Invest in employee development programs and skill-building.
Conclusion
Falgun’s story is a reminder that hard work, while essential, isn’t enough if it goes unrecognized. For professionals, understanding your worth and advocating for your growth is critical. For companies, timely recognition and meaningful appraisals are key to retaining talent and fostering a motivated workforce.
Remember: recognition is not a luxury—it’s a signal of respect and value. Don’t wait for a resignation to realize it.
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