No One is Irreplaceable


I came across this beautiful story that gives you an interesting perspective about importance of a healthy work-life balance.

Sambit graduated to be the best and finest surgeon in the world. At age 30, he got married.  The joy of marrying a medical doctor attracted Sunidhi, his wife, to him.

After a few weeks leave from work, he got very busy and started spending little time with his wife. This had an adverse impact on their domestic life, and gradually their relationship began to go south. The reason was not that he did not love her, nor that he was flirting around with other ladies. Like most doctors, he was seen as too important at work to have any time for himself and his family. Every patient wanted him. The hospital wanted him to handle all the surgeries at hand.

One day, he got home very early from work. The wife was glad that he was at least early today. Just as he was dropping his briefcase, his phone rang and the following conversation went on.

Nurse: Sir, we need you now at the hospital. We have an emergency.

Sambit: I'm on my way.

The wife was upset with him. As usual, he told her "Sorry". Such incidents became a regular pattern. This went on for a long time. Sunidi was slowly getting accustomed to this life.

But one unfortunate day, he had a fatal accident and passed away. Sunidhi could not believe that Sambit is no more.

The other doctors and surgeons mourned him. The hospital was very helpful and cleared his dues really quickly. His savings and the amount from the hospital left Sunidhi with enough money to take care of herself for the rest of her life. But can money replace love?  You know the answer.

After a couple of weeks, Sunidhi happened to visit the same hospital for some check up, as she walked in the corridor of Sambit's office, her memories came back. As she reached his cabin, she found another name plate on it and the surgeon who replaced her husband sitting in the cabin. Several patients were sitting in the waiting area. She got talking to one of them, who told her that the new surgeon was the best in the town. Tears welled up in her eyes at the thought that her husband gave his whole life to his work, and it did not take long for someone to replace him.

This story is a great food for thought. Pause and ask yourself the following questions, look around carefully to validate your answers:
  • Do you think you are irreplaceable at work? 
  • Do you think no one can do better than what you are doing or what you can do?
  • Do you consider yourself too important?
  • Do you know you are valued because you are available and making useful contribution?
This is a wake up call to take a balanced view of your life. This is not to say that you should not give your 100% at work. I am not advocating a self-centered approach. Do your best on the job and contribute as much as you can, but do not neglect your life in the process. Remember that it is important to spare time for yourself. Value your family and friends and give them priority.

Above all, do not get emotionally attached to your work. Maintain the detached mindset of a Yogi, because whether you like it or not, you are replaceable.

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