A leader should be strong.
A leader must deliver.
A leader must care, communicate, and carry everyone along.
But somewhere between endless meetings and mounting targets, leadership starts to feel like a performance.
Middle management lives in that squeeze.
You’re expected to hit metrics, manage egos, and stay “inspiring” while deadlines crush you from both ends.
Top management expects results. Sometimes without clear direction.
Your team expects empathy. Sometimes when they don’t deserve it.
And somehow, you’re supposed to give both... without breaking.
Then the thought hits you:
What if I just stopped trying to be inspiring?
What if I stopped caring about their personal lives?
What if I stopped being empathetic?
What if I just chose to be a boss instead of a leader?
After all, a boss and a leader have the same salary anyway.
What if I focused only on the technicals?
It would be easier.
No more pep talks.
No more checking if they’re okay.
And truth be told, top management doesn’t check on you either.
What if you finally stopped going beyond your paycheck?
Saved the amor and malasakit for your loved ones, instead of your “work" mates, "boss" and "staff" alike.
You could. You always have the choice.
Same salary. Less energy. Less stress.
But then again...