This is a great take, and it applies to everything! As extremely networked and hierarchical social animals, we have an overlay of "meaning" that is ascribed to every endeavor. If you are capable of noticing this layer and then avoiding a strong attachment to it, you have the freedom to play the game for your own purposes. (In your case, the meaning being "authority" you supposedly have given away by not striving for your job's particular brass ring.)
Of course, meaning is valuable, as are teamwork and relationships, and taboos, too, are necessary guidelines. It's just when we attach too strongly to very generic meanings/marketing that we find ourselves triggered, manipulated, or trapped. Manage your own reward and belief systems for maximum life enjoyment!
