Corporate Shackles: The Diamond-Studded Bracelet
I’m grateful to have a job—one of those positions that, as they say, “most girls would kill for” (if you know, you know). But beneath that gratitude lies a quiet rebellion. A persistent urge to reject everything corporate America represents.
There are a lucky few who seem to spring out of bed at the sound of the Monday morning alarm. But for most of us, corporate life is less dream job, more Cartier bracelet—hyped as the latest must-have, but ultimately just a sleek new set of shackles.
They sell it to us as success: a beautiful bracelet that proves you belong. But look closer. Is yours gold-plated? Then you’re probably just starting out. Solid 24k? Mid-level grind. And if you’ve earned diamonds and custom engravings? Congratulations, you’re in the C-suite now—top tier, high polish. But the bracelet? It’s still tight. Still locked. Still cutting off circulation as you're forced to smile and “circle back” like you’re thrilled to be here.
I try to buy into it—I really do. I wear my own 18k cuffs, and people compliment them all the time. “They’re gorgeous!” they say. Maybe they are. But they’re still cuffs. Ornate restraints. Beautiful distractions from the fact that I’ve traded time and belief in my own dreams for security disguised as success.
I wish it were as simple as going back to the store and asking to have them removed.