Long tenure. Same company. Same building. Same commute.
In the early years, the loyalty was an asset. “She’s a lifer. She believes in the mission.” In the middle years, the loyalty was expected. “Of course she’s staying. Where would she go?” In the late years, the loyalty was a liability. “She’s been here too long. She’s too expensive. She’s too comfortable.”
The company’s relationship to your loyalty has a shelf life. Early on, they reward it. Middle, they leverage it. Late, they resent it. The person who gave the most years gets eliminated first because their salary reflects what they’ve given, and the budget reflects what the company wants to keep.
Loyalty is a one-way investment. You deposit years. The company withdraws whenever it’s convenient.