To Eric, I’ve spent eight years at a career that I love and cherish. Two people on our small team were recently promoted to supervisors. Despite being among the top three applicants, I was not chosen for any of the roles. The two chosen are less experienced, less competent, and lack a college degree, among other things. Additionally, as we awaited the conclusion of the hiring procedure, I was doing the duties of a supervisor.
My enthusiasm for my work has been destroyed by this. In the next three or four years, I might get promoted again, but I doubt I’ll be able to stay that long. It is heartbreaking to be expected to instruct the new supervisors on how to do their duties. In three or four years, should I continue and hope for the best, or should I hunt for another job?
Disappointment at Work
Dear Work Disappointment: Feeling underappreciated for three years is a long time. Look for another employment. It’s a good idea to periodically assess your value, even if you decide not to leave.
A fresh viewpoint and prospects for career advancement can be revealed by conducting market research, conducting interviews, and comparing salaries. Giving yourself additional choices is also a way to combat hopelessness.
The worst thing you can do if you enjoy your job but are dissatisfied with the workplace is to allow your employer to continue to drain your happiness. After some research and interviews, you might discover that your current position truly brings you the most happiness. But unless you look, you won’t know what’s possible.
Stories by
R. Eric Thomas
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To Eric, The fact that my mother-in-law Rosie never gets to see the great-grandchildren is something she constantly laments. Originally from Arizona, they spend the summers and sometimes Christmases in the Midwest. Rosie always has an explanation and never visits while the kids are around. I have yoga, I see. The girlfriends and I need to get together. My hair needs to be done.
Typically, they stay for two or three weeks. She complains about not being able to visit them after they return home. And within ten or fifteen minutes, if she sees them at all, it’s gone. I’ve had enough of her self-pity. However, she gets argumentative and angry when I suggest that she reschedule yoga or another activity. Do you have any ideas on how to deal with this?
In the Center
To Caught, Rosie seems to have a story that she doesn’t want to depart from. Perhaps she struggles with time management; perhaps she feels neglected in other areas of her life, and this is showing up here. In any case, it appears from her response that she is not seeking answers.
Ask Rosie where she would want to make reservations and provide her with the children’s itinerary before the next visit. Being proactive gives you a talking point, but it might not stop the complaints.
For inquiries, contact R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or by mail at P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Subscribe to his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com and follow him on Instagram.
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