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Original poster

Feeling overlooked at work

11 replies

OldBore · 22/09/2026 13:10

Feeling a bit down about work and wondering if anyone felt like this. Been in my job over 10 years. Over the years I’ve gained a lot of extra jobs which is fine. I have trained two staff from ground up and really try hard to give positive feedback when someone does well.
No-one has ever said anything negative and often seek me out with questions. At times, I’ve logged in out of office to finish jobs as I’ve been busy helping others

We do awards in work and again I’m not nominated. I feel gutted that no one sees me as worthy . One persons received 3 nominations for doing a job I did for years and I trained them to do! I feel like I’m just seen as part of the furniture. I know it’s silly but it’s such a big deal - there will be a party etc and I feel invisible. I don’t think I’m disliked but more just plain old me. Or maybe I am disliked.

Last Year I was so upset and thought why bother doing all the extras but it’s not my personality not to be helpful.

OP posts:
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Francestein · 24/09/2026 07:38

Now picture all the extra mind space you will have to focus on things that make you happy.

Original poster
OldBore · 23/09/2026 13:49

Thanks all. Reassured it’s not just me. Have completed my work today and declined ton offer assistance. Actually feels good.

OP posts:
Sparrowlass · 23/09/2026 09:51

Francestein · 23/09/2026 09:37

I suspect you have made the mistake of being too accommodating and have made yourself so invaluable in your position that they won’t risk losing you there. I bet if were promoted then they would need to hire two to replace you. I think you need to document examples of training, working outside your role, etc (not the extra hours) and get a professional to rewrite your resume and give you examples of cover letters tailored to your “ideal” positions. You need to move along.

Is this what they call 'The Peter Principle'?

GOODCAT · 23/09/2026 09:37

Ask for feedback and find a way forwards. Don't just sit back. With feedback you can decide what to do whether that is continue in your current role with feedback or move on.

You may have to push quite hard for honest feedback and give them thinking time first so say you are looking to improve and progress but you would like them to sit down with you and explain all the things that could make a difference. It can be hard to hear, but it can be worth it.

Francestein · 23/09/2026 09:37

I suspect you have made the mistake of being too accommodating and have made yourself so invaluable in your position that they won’t risk losing you there. I bet if were promoted then they would need to hire two to replace you. I think you need to document examples of training, working outside your role, etc (not the extra hours) and get a professional to rewrite your resume and give you examples of cover letters tailored to your “ideal” positions. You need to move along.

Sparrowlass · 23/09/2026 09:28

OldBore · 22/09/2026 18:28

I think this is partly it. I think I really need to step back. Really stung today as I’ve given so much to this person’s development and pushed for higher level work for her.

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I did something almost identical. They got an award. I got completely left out of the bonus structure (the only person on the team who was!) and only found out when someone who was unaware I was, mentioned it 'you know back in April when we got that bonus...'

A different job, years later, I was put on a PIP for not following a procedure THAT I WROTE!

I had had enough at this point. Went off sick, got a dragon of a union rep on it. Same manager who put me on that PIP absolutely licks my arse now pardon the language. PIP was quashed as it was a load of crap. I used to give 110%. I now give about 40.

Dr13Hadley · 22/09/2026 20:43

I know how this feels OP. I could have written your post. I work in healthcare though and although I don’t get much recognition from colleagues (as I’m just always there and help, they’d soon notice if I wasn’t!) I do occasionally get thank you cards from patients. So I stick them on my wall behind my monitor! They remind me why I’m doing it. Is there anything you could use to do the same? Any positive feedback you’ve received no matter how old that you could put somewhere visible?

Supersimkin7 · 22/09/2026 20:42

Blow your own trumpet! You’re clearly incredibly good at your job, so they need to know. Start small by taking credit out loud as necessary.

Mind you, I know a guy who was so good at his job they wouldn’t promote him cos they’d never get anyone else that reliable. Don’t be him! Try and ask for what you want.

Original poster
OldBore · 22/09/2026 18:28

Sparrowlass · 22/09/2026 17:21

I think It's a 'face don't fit' thing. I have been you in many different jobs. I would stop doing as much, and if something happens that is a legitimate, provable slight, bring it up (with the help of a union if possible). That gets you noticed more than being good, IME. Be a pain in the ass, get things wrong, go off sick, let people know when you're pissed off, BE someone. That's the only thing that's ever got me anywhere.

I think this is partly it. I think I really need to step back. Really stung today as I’ve given so much to this person’s development and pushed for higher level work for her.

OP posts:
OakElmAsh · 22/09/2026 17:24

A lot of those award things are about visibility - so of you do the thing quietly, and make no fuss, it doesn't register with people. If you do the thing, tell your manager you did the thing, improved the overall process for doing the thing, and forwarded on the email from the client thanking you for great work on the thing, that will be remembered - even if it's the exact same work in both instances!

Sparrowlass · 22/09/2026 17:21

I think It's a 'face don't fit' thing. I have been you in many different jobs. I would stop doing as much, and if something happens that is a legitimate, provable slight, bring it up (with the help of a union if possible). That gets you noticed more than being good, IME. Be a pain in the ass, get things wrong, go off sick, let people know when you're pissed off, BE someone. That's the only thing that's ever got me anywhere.