Asking Eric: Better-qualified candidate finds teaching new supervisors how to do their jobs soul crushing

Dear Eric: I have been at a job I love and value for eight years. Recently two members of our small team were promoted to supervisors. I was one of the top three candidates, but not selected for one of the positions. The two who were selected are not as qualified, are less experienced and have no college education, etc. In addition, I was doing the work of a supervisor while we were waiting for the hiring process to play out.

This has killed my passion for what I do. There is a possibility of another promotion in the next three or four years, but I’m not sure I can make it that long. Being asked to teach the new supervisors on how to do their jobs is soul crushing. Should I look for another job or stick it out and hope for the best in three or four years?

– Work Disappointment

Dear Work Disappointment: Three years is a long time to feel undervalued. Start looking for another job. Even if you don’t choose to leave, it’s a good idea to get a sense of your worth at regular intervals.

Surveying the market, going on interviews, and comparing salaries can help provide a new perspective and highlight opportunities for professional growth. Additionally, giving yourself more options is an antidote to hopelessness.

If you love the work but aren’t happy with the work environment, the worst thing you can do is let your company continue to sap your joy. It may be that, after some searching and some interviews, you find that you’re actually happiest at your current job. But you won’t know what’s possible unless you look.