What would you do if you are good in every aspect of your job, better than everyone in the same position, have a great work ethic, but cannot succeed due to corporate politics - ie, you are not the boss' pet?

Comments

• It's difficult to explain a difficult situation in a short question, but I do agree with what you have said. I am very good at what I do - teamwork and attitude included. That's part of what is so frustrating - there are those that do just enough to get by and those that go above and beyond.
  
  I have not learned to play the corporate game well. I'm trying to figure it out. :)

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  by CubbiesWin on December 30th, 2007

• It can be a tough game to learn. What is it that you are trying to obtain that would make you feel like you succeeded? a raise? a promotion? public pats on the back?

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  by kazzzy on December 30th, 2007

• I'm trying to keep from making this a vent or getting tooooo specific... but
  
  Respectful, equal, fair treatment would be nice. A correct job description. Our raises, salary range, etc are all tied to that job description which in my case is very outdated.
  
  It would have been nice if the slacker I work with did not get a bigger raise than me last year. That really burns.

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  by CubbiesWin on December 30th, 2007

• Well, "equal" treatment only happens if you are in a union job, which is not generally a corporate job. So learn to not worry about what others get and concentrate on yourself and your job. Respect is a two-way street that is earned and fair is in the eye of the beholder. And resentful feelings, like you have, are why you don't share your salary info with others or ask them about theirs. :D
  
  Have you prepared and presented a new updated job description to your boss and asked to be categorized as such? And along with that, presented information on what the job salary range for that position should be based on what other area employers are paying for similar work? Sometimes things happen if you take the initiative and do the grunt work associated with it. It would probably need to be done on your own time though. Good luck! :D

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  by kazzzy on December 30th, 2007

• I'm beginning to think you have it set in your mind that I am the problem and not the organization or people I work with. I understand that a variety of assumptions can be made with the limited information I provided. I never expected such a detailed response. :)
  
  I did not ask for this person's salary information. He volunteered this to me when he was complaining about his low raise.

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  by CubbiesWin on December 30th, 2007

• Sorry. You obviously know your situation better than me. Good luck with your career. :D

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  by kazzzy on December 30th, 2007

• I do appreciate your help and hope I did not sound rude.

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  by CubbiesWin on December 30th, 2007

• No worries. I was just trying to help. You're right, you can't tell a lot from a little question, but your choice of words does say something. I have listened to this type of complaint regularly for 20 years and 9 out of 10 times, the person complaining is just not willing to look at it from any perspective other then the one they've already decided upon; and generally it's not the same perspective that the rest of the people at work, including the boss, see it from. The only thing you control in this situation is yourself and how you perceive and act upon things.

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  by kazzzy on December 30th, 2007

• "The only think you control in this situation is yourself and how you perceive and act upon things." Very true.
  
  I can tell you have a lot of experience and knowledge. I know my situation is not unique and it sounds like you could figure this out real quick if I told you the specifics. This website is not the appropriate place/way to share the needed information to have a useful conversation and get honest feedback. I threw out a quick "I'm frustrated" question and got more than I was expecting. :)
  
  I have reached out to some coworkers I respect and trust to get their insight. I need to get all of my thoughts out on paper and go from there.

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  by CubbiesWin on December 30th, 2007

• Good for you. I can tell you are frustrated and I think getting some honest feedback will be helpful to you. And don't be afraid to have a dialog with your boss too; it's perfectly fair to ask him what you need to do to improve your situation to one that works for you. Good luck!

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  by kazzzy on December 30th, 2007

Comments

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• I was afraid this is the answer I would get. I think if I am prepared to leave, I'm not going to do so without a fight. :)

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  by CubbiesWin on December 30th, 2007

• Just make sure you have another job offer lined up in case you lose the fight.

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  by scubaduba on December 30th, 2007