stifled I’m being in my job
QUESTION: I believe I am a victim at my company. It is not that I am not capable, experienced, or qualified, but I am not given the opportunity to truly develop to my maximum potential. I am stifled in my company, and when I tried to find out why, I discovered that management has a hidden agenda, specifically with regard to cronyism and nepotism. I am deeply unmotivated and depressed. Is there an answer to my problem?
– Depressed
CAREERS: Why do you buy into such thinking? You are a victim when you feel like one. That feeling is poisoning your attitude. You are in a job that I know many persons would give anything to be in. I am sorry if I come across as being too hard and I don’t understand you. This is not the case.
First off, let me point something out to you. I don’t want to seem insensitive to your situation, okay. I want to say it gently: You could die waiting for your superior to give you an opportunity to develop your potential. That may happen, but don’t bet on it.
You see, once you get into an organisation, you cannot leave your career to the whim and fancy of anyone. You are responsible. This is hard for many people to hear. But as an adult, you are accountable.
The time for finding excuses and blaming is past. So as long as we see ourselves as victims, we will continue to find someone to blame. This mindset has to go.
SHOW WHAT YOU CAN DO
You say you have the experience and you qualify for the position. Go out there and let your light shine, and use what you have. Demonstrate your capabilities so that everyone can see it. It is not enough to say you can do this or that. Show it.
With regard to your charge of nepotism and cronyism, let me say that is something you will need to get used to. Your boss could very well be playing favourites. The alternative is to make yourself miserable. Things can look like that to you, but, in fact, are not that way. Keep your attention focused on your job and not on any of that. Remind yourself that you could be wrong.
Motivation and depression are matters that you have control over. They are the result of how you are looking at the situation. It is the truth that you can “change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change”. Napoleon Hill, author of The
Master-Key to Riches, notes: “It must be remembered that there are two forms of compensation available to one who works for wages. One is the wages he receives in money. The other is skill he attains from his experiences; a form of compensation which often exceeds monetary remuneration, for skill and experience are the worker’s most important stock in trade through which he may promote himself to higher pay and greater responsibility.”
This mindset will protect you against being unmotivated and depressed. Remind yourself of this truth morning, noon, and night until you feel it viscerally.