What to you do when favoritism is shown at work?

shopgirl78

My boss has (what we used to joke around as) "pets."   She has these two employees who could do no wrong and are always invited to private meetings and one is helping her interview now.  Both of the girls/pets, are really nice people.  I have nothing against them....I just find it really annoying and sometimes hurtful as the longest standing employee in this position that I am never invited.  I am openly looking for a new job...part of my reasoning is that I find my boss to show so much favoritism.   Perhaps that it?  And I am far from a brown noser and speak my mind when I don't agree with something?  Is that it?  IDK.   Why doesn't she like me?  Is it because I have worked in this position longer than my boss (who came from a different department--I was 7 months pregant when I interviewed for that position)?

Once my boss, sent out an email asking 3 of us (I included) to do some chore and I did mine & did it well and in a timely manner.  The ONLY person she acknowledged and thanked was the pet (in another email).  There are several examples like this!!!

Two of my close friends (who we used to "pet" joke) left.  I don't know if they put down the favorisitism on their exit interview, i do plan to...hopefully, I will get a new job soon.   The "pet" helping her interview today, kinda crushed me...again.  Why? What would you do? 

 

KathrynMD

Get a new job. 

shopgirl78

KathrynMD:

Get a new job. 

I am trying.   I have had 3 interviews since Oct, all three stated they were "very impressed" at the interview but had someone else in mind.  2 were at schools where RIFed employees got first dibs but both principals stated they'd look out for me this summer....   In this economy, its just not as easy as it sounds....

mysticporter

KathrynMD:

Get a new job. 

Yup.  Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done in this situation, practically speaking.  I'm sure it would be possible to report the problems to HR or a supervisor up the food chain, but you run the risk of looking like you are just complaining or looking for excuses why you don't get "credit".

I'd keep documentation of everything, and if there are concrete examples where there is no question that you are being deliberately overlooked for tangible benefits (for example, if you are being overlooked for raises in favor of the favorites), I'd report it to HR.  If it's hard to document or pin down, or if it's just her flapping her mouth to reward them and it doesn't really effect you directly, I'd try and ignore it as best you can.

KathrynMD

shopgirl78:

KathrynMD:

Get a new job. 

I am trying.   I have had 3 interviews since Oct, all three stated they were "very impressed" at the interview but had someone else in mind.  2 were at schools where RIFed employees got first dibs but both principals stated they'd look out for me this summer....   In this economy, its just not as easy as it sounds....

oh I know. .. but there's really no way to fight that favoritism.  The best thing for you to do is just get out. 

Pesky

Two options that I see:

*  get a new job; or

*  suck it up and ignore it. 

There are always favorites anywhere you go.  Sometimes as blatant as what you see there and sometimes not.  Sometimes the favoritism is more by merit than anything but usually you will always see some form of what you see there.  The thing is if the job is not otherwise meeting your needs, just leave.  If you are content to come in, do your work and collect your paycheck, stay.  I get being frustrated with not having any kind of praise for a job well-done or value attributed to your tenure but I wouldn't get so bent out of shape about the popular girls not inviting you into their clique other than that. 

shopgirl78

Pesky:

Two options that I see:

*  get a new job; or

*  suck it up and ignore it. 

There are always favorites anywhere you go.  Sometimes as blatant as what you see there and sometimes not.  Sometimes the favoritism is more by merit than anything but usually you will always see some form of what you see there.  The thing is if the job is not otherwise meeting your needs, just leave.  If you are content to come in, do your work and collect your paycheck, stay.  I get being frustrated with not having any kind of praise for a job well-done or value attributed to your tenure but I wouldn't get so bent out of shape about the popular girls not inviting you into their clique other than that. 

I didn't mean to come off as "so bent out of shape" most of it was a vent.  I am just frustrated with the job market and the situation....and its sooo far from a popular/clique-y thing.....

mylittlesunshine

Ughh how frustrating! Being that the economy is just blah, I would just try to suck it up while continuing to look for employment elsewhere. Good luck.

MJGgirl

I would continue to do what you are doing.  Look for a new job but do not burn the bridge with the company you are with now in case you need them as a reference down the road.  Just do your job to the best of your ability and that way they have no reason to say anything negative about you to anyone that asks about your work ethics.  I too would be very upset about the favortism and I have been with companies that have done that to me but each day i would go home and apply for other positions.  I was even applying to positions that I did not really want but atleast it would get me out of my uncomfortable current situation until something better came along.  In the end you have to think about yourself, your sanity, and your family.  As much as people say that they do not take home their work it is impossible to not always be able to do that so if you are unhappy at work and feeling neglected it will eventually start affecting how you act at home too.

CA_EAM

Pout, whine and b**ch, though not at work. No, seriously I am right there with you, and I do these things from time to time at home.  It's to the point where this favoritism is literally costing me $$ lost and promotion missed.  And the pet I compete with is no better at her work than I am, it's just that once they have management's eye, they don't appreciate what I do.

So, yeah, look for a new job or learn to deal with it. 

ak1234

This will happen anywhere and everywhere.  I am currently my manager's pet...and it IS by merit.  However, I have been the ugly stepsister many times as well.  My advice is to do your job, and do it well.  Think of what you can do and learn to take to your next position - and keep interviewing!

shopgirl78

I actually do my job very well.  The last 4 audits have ben flawless for me.  I have a great reputation outside the department but inside, most of credit is given to the pets.   In fact, my boss once said about me that I "talk my way out" in reference to the auditors which is far from the truth, I do my job right.  But I guess that is how she she's me?  I do tend to speak my mind when I think client care is being compromised.  The other girls are "yes ma'am" type of girls.  It's not a popular or ugly step-sister thing, I really do get along with the "pets."  I consider one of the pets, one of my closest co-workers.   When I found out that she/pet was helping with the interviews, it was just one stab in the gut (plus I don't feel well)....and honestly, I think the girl/pet is over it because she is asked to take on so much non-responsibility, KWIM? The grass isn't always greener.  Anywho, thanks for letting me vent and help me keep things in perspective.  I do plan to continue to go to any interviews I get and hopefully something will come through soon.  Until then I am going to keep doing my best and try not to be get my feelings hurt so easily.