Martyr

Last night I attended a corporate awards banquet.  Many of these employees are very hard working and dedicated people in a field that requires great social skills or connections, and a type A personality.  The atmosphere was very supportive and positive, rewarding those who have succeeded in their field, and encouraging everyone to continue the hard work so they too can one day stand on the podium and accept an award.

I learned some pretty interesting facts about some of the most successful people in the room.  The awards began with a leading woman in her client community who is retiring this year.  Two of her grandchildren gave very touching speeches about their love for their grandmother and gave her a "Family Achievement Award".  She tearfully accepted and then gave a speech focused on her loving and supporting family through the long hours away from home, concluding, as she became increasing emotional, with advice to all in attendance not to let the job consume their lives and keep them from their family.  An obvious admission of guilt and regret.  This was followed by award after award for exceptional sales, including another woman praising her daughter for being so patient and growing up so well, even though her parents couldn't be there for her and nannies had largely raised her.  Another woman, who is the top performing partner, goes to sleep at 1 AM and then wakes up at 4:30 AM everyday so she can start having meetings with her agents by 5:30 AM.

Is this the face of success, or is this the face of a corporate martyr on the cross of modern capitalism?