拔了毛的凤凰不如鸡。
A plucked phoenix is worth less than a chicken.
Chinese Proverb
Joining the government was quite magical. People started returning my phone calls. Folks from the same companies who didn’t bother sending a confirmation receipt when I previously sent them resumes inquiring about public job postings.
If I wasn’t careful, I might actually believe that I had moved up in the world. However, I always remind myself that they aren’t picking the my phone call. They are taking calls from a Project Manager 2 at the State Public Works Division. It’s about the position, not the collection of biologically animated cells that happen to identify with me.
Of course, I hope that some of the new companions from the past three years actually appreciate my company, not merely the State’s patronage. But it’s impossible to shake the nagging question, “what would happen if?”
I’ve been lucky to have stayed on an upward trajectory in my career (so far), but I wonder if a fall from grace is ultimately a more painful ride than staying stuck in the mud. Then again, a drop is the risk that comes with moving up in the world.
Increased fragility from higher prominence is the ante to play the game.
Hopefully, an over-inflated delusion about one’s intrinsic value isn’t.
I’ve been blessed to work with great architects over the past three years. I’ve really enjoyed their company and I hope our partnerships will continue for many more years at the Division!