You are much more than a job title.

You are much more than a job title.

Yesterday, I received some of the best news possible in months. My latest hospital reports are clear, and I'm cancer-free for now.

While I'm incredibly grateful and relieved, there's also grief and confusion. I recently went through a bilateral mastectomy, and still in much discomfort. It's difficult to straighten my back and move my arms as well.

My surgeon reminded me that it's completely normal to feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and not to suppress my feelings.

Since Tuesday, I've been back on LinkedIn to prepare myself for my eventual return to work (supposedly today; hospitalization leave extended to early June).

I read about mass layoffs at companies like Gardenia, Meta, and StanChart, along with leadership changes at my own workplace. It made me concerned if I would even have a job to return to.

What upset me the most was reading a headline where a bank's top executive mentioned "lower-value human capital."

When you are already fighting to recover your health, knowing people are treated as disposable metrics is deeply disturbing.

I received these knitted prosthetics from NCCS today. They represent my personal recovery journey. And they also remind me that life is bigger than business.

I received many caring moments in my workplace and during my treatment. From colleagues all over the world, from friends and family, from the healthcare team. Each moment of kindness means much.

To anyone else who is feeling anxious about the job market or going through a tough transition right now, please remember this:

Your worth is not defined by a job title. And in my case, it is not defined by my new physical appearance.

I know it's easy to feel isolated when going through a personal crisis while the corporate world keeps moving at a rapid pace. Like nobody understands what you're going through.

The truth is... many of us too are fighting quiet battles behind the scenes.

Businesses will restructure, titles will change, and our bodies will go through different seasons of life. None of these things lessen your value.

A corporate transition cannot take away your skills, your intellect, or your character. In the same way, a major surgery might change my body, but it cannot change the core of who I am.

I am still me.

You are still you.

You are important just as you are today, regardless of your employment status or your physical changes.

Keep your spirit strong, and don’t forget to care for your own well-being.