A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:I love my job with all of my heart. I have heard rumors of favoritism and people not being allowed to grow and get promotions, etc.I have seen first hand that people are not treated equally at my job. The favoritism occurs at the highest levels, so there is no one, not even HR, who can help.Recently, a co-worker who is significantly under qualified was promoted. Namely because he is close friends with most of the managers. This is very offensive as he is very unskilled, does not have any education (this position requires a college degree), and he is extremely hard to talk with as he is very defensive about his lack of education. A lot of people are very upset because the workplace croneyism is so rampant, but in this economy, people feel powerless to speak up against the bias.How do I deal with working with my co-worker who is under qualified, when I am dealing with trying to work harder for less pay, AND, the high possibility that this co-worker is probably getting paid more than I am, though, they are severely under-qualified, AND, their overhead is low as he still lives at home with his parents and discusses shopping trips and sports expensive clothing constantly.
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
male
reader, Danielepew  +, writes (8 December 2010):
 I thought I would add a few things:
If you can lay your hands on them, read "The Peter Principle" and "Parkinson's Law". You'll never see the workplace the same way again, because you'll see it for what it is.
A comment: sometimes, one of my colleagues doesn't even work, and gets paid. How's that?
A
male
reader, Danielepew +, writes (8 December 2010):
I think it's safe to say that favoritism is a disease that comes with getting a job and working for someone else. You just can't get rid of it, and you have to learn to survive with it.
My failed strategy has always been to be very upfront and very direct with people, and to make sure everyone knows that, so gossipers won't be able to say you said this or that behind anybody's back. This will somehow make you the troublemaker, you know? You'll be the hard-headed person who just won't cut corners.
Never ever tell anybody anything about anyone. If someone comes to you with gossip, say something like "I don't like you to tell me this" and leave.
Be very good at what you do. Know that most likely they will make you work harder, in the most unpleasant situations, very probably for less pay, but that you're the guy they can't operate without.
And, be very frugal and SAVE if you can. You'll eventually get fired.
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A
male
reader, Odds +, writes (8 December 2010):
 Part of the real world is networking. "Who you know" is the single most important factor for success in the professional world, at least from what I've seen. Way it is.
Still, you would benefit from focussing on your own success rather than worrying about someone else. Who cares if he lives with his parents? Who cares if he's overpaid? Those don't matter, the only thing he's cost you is a promotion (assuming you were in the running for that spot).
Basing your happiness on how well you do realtive to others is a sure path to resentment. Set an objective standard. How much pay is enough for you, if you don't know what others are making?
Not getting paid enough? Try to negotiate for a higher salary (note that while comparing your salary to others' is not good for your happiness, it is a useful tactic here). Not getting support from management? Network with the people you think are likely to be promoted next (say, being friendly with the underqualified favorite). Overhead too high? Be proud of the home you keep.
And if the economy is keeping you from taking action on these points, accept that the world is just unfair and do the best you can.
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