Being useful at work means you're reliable at executing tasks and filling gaps, while being valued means you're included in strategic decisions and future planning. The author shares two career experiences: during layoffs, they felt valued when offered a retention bonus and asked to help shape the company's future; in another role, despite good compensation and recognition, they felt stagnant because they weren't invited into strategic conversations or growth opportunities. The key difference lies in whether you're seen as a task executor or a strategic contributor to the organization's direction.
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