We spend a large chunk of our lives—sometimes 50 to 60%—at work. It’s an essential part of our existence, shaping not just what we do, but often, who we are.
Recently, I was reading about Pluto’s reclassification, and it struck me: there’s something deeply human about Pluto’s story. It mirrors many of the dynamics we navigate in our careers. So here’s my take on Pluto moments—and why they matter at work.
Pluto: A Brief History of Reclassification
Discovered in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, Pluto was celebrated as the ninth planet in our solar system. For over 75 years, it orbited quietly and faithfully at the edge of our celestial family.
But Pluto was different. It’s smaller than our moon, with a tilted and elongated orbit. It takes 248 Earth years to complete one revolution around the sun.
In 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. Not because it had changed—but because the definition of a planet did.
And just like that, a planet was no longer a planet.
The Workplace Has Its Own Pluto Moments
In our careers, many of us go through a Pluto moment.
You put in the work. You lead. You fix what’s broken. You stay late. You deliver results. You make others’ lives easier. And yet, one day, the spotlight shifts. Recognition doesn’t come. Others—perhaps louder or more visible—move forward. You stay where you are.
You begin to wonder: Did I stop being valuable? Or did the definition of success just change?
Often, it’s not you—it’s the system. Like Pluto, your orbit hasn’t changed. Only the metrics have. Company culture evolves. Leadership expectations shift. Suddenly, visibility and perception matter more than quiet impact.
If You’re in a Pluto Moment—Keep Orbiting
It’s tempting to slow down or give up when you feel unseen. But Pluto never stopped orbiting the sun. It didn’t shrink. It didn’t rebel. It simply kept moving, true to its path.
If you’re in that moment—don’t let it define your worth.
Keep doing what you do best: build, fix, support, lead. You have gravity—even if it’s quiet.
Workplace dynamics are always shifting. One day you’re celebrated, the next you’re overlooked. That’s when it’s most important to remember: the system is bigger than you. Your value doesn’t vanish just because someone didn’t call it out.
Stay in your orbit. Keep showing up.
If You’re a Leader—Don’t Miss the Plutos
Every team has its Plutos. The steady fixers. The quiet doers. The ones who aren’t posting wins, but creating them for others.
As leaders, we have an opportunity to:
- See outcomes, not just optics
- Recognize impact, not just volume
- Give direction, not just ratings
- Shine light, not just cast shadows
Leadership isn’t easy. We juggle priorities, manage teams, hit goals. It’s easy to reward the visible, the vocal, the ones who shine on stage.
But we must also build systems that surface silent strength. That catch the ones holding the fort while others walk the stage. Recognition doesn’t need a spotlight. It just needs sincerity—and timing.
When you lead like the sun—steady, generous, life-giving—your team feels your orbit too.
The Closing Orbit
Pluto may no longer be a planet on paper. But it didn’t lose its purpose. It still orbits. It still belongs. It still matters.
Whether you’re going through a Pluto phase, or you’re in a position to notice someone else’s—honor the orbit. Value quiet strength. Lead with light.
We all face Pluto phase in our careers. But they don’t define us. They refine us.
And when the time comes for you to shine—look around. There are Plutos beside you. Acknowledge them. Support them. Help them shine too.
Quiet Reflections 