I’d really appreciate some words of advice and motivation regarding my work situation.
Lately, I’ve been putting in a lot of effort and taking on more responsibilities than my colleague. However, I’ve noticed that my colleague—who tends to stay quiet and avoid getting too involved—receives more appreciation and support from management. They seem to be more protective and positive toward her, which I find discouraging.
I’m starting to feel undervalued for the extra effort I put in and for consistently going the extra mile. It’s becoming hard to stay motivated when my hard work doesn’t seem to receive the same recognition.
I’d be grateful for your thoughts or advice on how to handle this situation and keep a positive attitude.
Hello @user9428 thank you for sharing this so openly. It really shows how much you care about your work and the effort you put in. It’s clear that you’ve been taking on extra responsibilities and going above and beyond, which speaks volumes about your dedication and work ethic.
It’s completely understandable that you feel frustrated and demotivated when your hard work doesn’t seem to receive the same level of recognition. Anyone in your position would feel the same, especially when you’re putting in so much effort and genuinely trying to contribute more.
It might help to have an open and honest conversation with your management about this. You could express how much you value your role and your desire for feedback or recognition for the additional responsibilities you’ve taken on. Sometimes management may not fully realise the extent of someone’s contributions until it’s brought to their attention.
You’re clearly doing an amazing job, and your commitment truly stands out. I really hope your efforts are acknowledged soon. Any team would be lucky to have someone with your drive and dedication. Keep believing in the value you bring.
Hi there @user9428 ! It must not be easy navigating the work environment when the situation seems unjust. That can really mess with our motivation to work hard because it doesn’t seem to be rewarded/reciprocated!
One way we can try to reframe this situation is to take a step back first and evaluate the evidence objectively! For example, you can set up a list where you can jot down instances where the management was indeed more protective and appeared more positive towards your colleague, at the same time, were there also instances where the management showed appreciation towards you?
With that clearer frame of mind, it will not only allow you to release some of the tension and emotions that had built up over time (this is very normal, happens to the best of us), but equip you to put forth a case with the management. Like what CozyCompanion suggested, it will help to have a conversation with your reporting manager about this! Sometimes it’s really all about conversing and visibility to your leaders
Wishing you all the best!! We’d be here for any updates and support!
Thank you very much for the encouragement and the positive messages.
Today at work, I’m not sure why my colleague received better treatment than I did. It was really discouraging. I do want to stay at my current job, but this unfair treatment has taken a toll on my emotions.
Always do your best so you personally can be happy with yourself and the work you do, somethings things get tough specially at work but remember that your mind sometimes gets bored of doing things the same way everyday some new changes are always a great way to exercise your brain and change your energy. Change is good
Thank you all for the kind reply and the envouragement advice.
I feel envy that my colleague don’t take action for some of the work that needs to be done. While I have the initiative to do the work, I dont get much recognition. She can slowly do her work, while I try to make use of my time to do much of the work. In the end, we get equivalent appreciation for the work done. There is understanding and biasness towards her. Sometimes I just wonder if I should go the extra mile…
I am Facing the same issue plus my reporting officer being ex government and in his 60s spend some of his time reading books at work and I had highlighted to him I needed help and advice to work through certain things and all I get is : it can be done, that’s all.
Frustrated despite me asking for intern to help in somw ways , he claims that intern is wasting more time as every few months once the person learn the ropes he leaves. My ceo seems to be afraid of the director not willing to confront him at times despite knowing what’s going on.
Hi there, thanks for sharing how you feel. It’s understandable that you feel discouraged. When you’re putting in extra effort and taking on more responsibility, it’s natural to hope that it will be noticed and appreciated. When that recognition seems to go elsewhere, it can make all that hard work feel invisible, and that’s a very frustrating place to be.
One thing to remember is that appreciation at work doesn’t always reflect the true value of someone’s contributions. Sometimes managers notice different things, or they respond more to personalities, communication styles, or visibility rather than the actual amount of work being done. That doesn’t diminish the effort, reliability, and dedication you’re bringing to your role.
If you can, it may help to find small ways to make your contributions more visible, such as sharing updates on what you’ve completed, highlighting progress during meetings, or having a short conversation with your manager about the responsibilities you’ve been taking on. Framing it around wanting to grow and contribute effectively can sometimes help others see the full picture of what you’re doing.
At the same time, try not to let this situation take away the pride you deserve to feel in your own work. The discipline, responsibility, and willingness to go the extra mile are qualities that will continue to benefit you in the long run, even if they aren’t fully recognised in the moment. Your effort and professionalism still matter, and they are building skills and experience that no one can take away from you.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself through this. Feeling undervalued hurts, but it doesn’t mean your work or your commitment lacks worth. Sometimes recognition comes later, or from different places than we expect. Keep focusing on your growth and your standards, because those are things that will stay with you wherever your career goes:)
