When promotions are based on favoritism, not merit, motivation suffers

  Stuck in a Job That Doesn’t Value You

In today’s job market, where layoffs are common and companies are tightening budgets, it’s not unusual to see employees working longer hours—often without fair compensation. Unfortunately, appreciation and recognition don’t always match the effort employees put in.

Just today, I had a heartfelt conversation with a friend who has been consistently going above and beyond at her job. She has put in the work, delivered results, and stayed committed—hoping for a promotion and recognition that she rightly deserves. But instead, she found out that the credit for her work was given to someone else. That person, due to personal relationships with senior management, received the promotion she worked so hard for.

Understandably, she wants to leave. But in the current job climate, switching roles isn’t easy. Good opportunities with fair pay and job security are rare, and it's not always easy to just walk away.

This situation is more than just a case of office politics—it’s about fairness and value. When employees dedicate their time and energy to their work, they’re not just growing themselves—they’re contributing to the success of the organization. But when that effort goes unnoticed or unrewarded, it sends a clear message: hard work alone may not be enough.

And that’s disheartening.

We often overlook the fact that employees are human beings with lives outside of work. They have families, personal goals, and mental health needs. Working overtime without recognition or proper compensation takes a toll. What’s the point of a salary if you don’t even have time to enjoy the life it’s meant to support?

It’s also worth asking: Does a paycheck really define a person’s worth? Many people leave jobs even after receiving a raise, realizing the culture, values, and lack of appreciation make the money meaningless.

At the end of the day, a job should be a place where your skills are valued, your time is respected, and your growth is supported. If you’re stuck in a place that doesn’t offer that, you’re not the problem—the system is.

Employees are people, not machines—they deserve respect, fair pay, and recognition.