I give up
The story
I used to think hard work and performance actually meant something, but now? I give up. Every day at my job, it’s less about who does the best work and more about who checks the right boxes. It’s gotten to the point where I feel like I’m just showing up, doing my best, and watching people get ahead for reasons that have nothing to do with skill or effort. At first, I tried to ignore it. I thought, Okay, just focus on your own progress, keep your head down, and things will even out. But they don’t. Instead of real career development, all we get is more “woke” initiatives, endless diversity trainings, and company-wide emails patting themselves on the back for promoting people based on identity instead of talent. Don’t get me wrong—I believe in fairness, equal chances, all that. But that’s not what this is. It’s not about fairness; it’s about looking good on paper. I’ve watched coworkers bust their ass for years, only to get passed over for someone less experienced because “we need more representation in leadership.” It’s like performance doesn’t matter anymore—just optics. And it’s exhausting pretending it doesn’t get to me.
I’ve worked so hard to get where I am, but lately, I’m asking myself why? If the promotions, raises, and recognition are going to people based on factors completely outside of their work, then what’s the point? Every meeting feels like another round of performative nonsense. We can’t even talk about improving sales or efficiency without someone throwing in a forced social angle, as if productivity is suddenly a dirty word. And don’t even get me started on the “optional” events that aren’t really optional—if you don’t attend the latest DEI seminar or pride workshop, you’re suddenly not a “team player.” Meanwhile, the actual job we’re here to do keeps getting harder, expectations keep rising, and the only thing that isn’t improving is the people actually running things. Maybe I’m just not cut out for this new version of the workplace, but at this point, I don’t care anymore. I’ve seen what gets rewarded and what doesn’t, and it’s clear that playing fair isn’t the way to win. So yeah—I give up. Not because I can’t keep up, but because I’m tired of pretending this system makes any sense.
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Points of view
I totally understand where you're coming from. I've noticed the same shift in focus from KPIs and performance metrics to optics and representation. It's honestly disheartening...
I've been in the industry for over a decade and used to take pride in my output. Nowadays, it feels like those who excel in talent acquisition based on so-called diversity, rather than merit, are the ones advancing. I even had a colleague who was an outstanding project manager, but she got overlooked repeatedly.
It's disillusioning and makes me question if the corporate world values genuine proficiency...
Keep your chin up, though it's tough when hard work seems underappreciated. 🤷♂️
EmeraldPlumLightningPrinterInAmsterdamWithJoy
8d agoI mostly agree with your perspective.... Your observations really resonate with the experiences I've encountered in the workplace too! It's a complex situation where the emphasis can sometimes shift away from traditional performance metrics like KPIs towards the realm of optics and representation. This transition can be disheartening for those who have long relied on these metrics to gauge their professional growth.
Yet, it's important to consider that enhancing diversity can lead to broader perspectives and innovation in organizational strategy; it's a delicate balance between maintaining merit-based advancement and enriching our teams with diverse talents. It’s crucial for companies to find effective ways to integrate both elements, ensuring that proficiency and representation complement rather than compete with each other.
I think you're missing out, man. Diversity stuff is actually super important, you know? My experience is different, 'cause when my company started focusing more on that side of things, I definitely noticed a big boost in team vibe. 👍
I reckon that giving everyone a fair shot means folks bring their A-game too—just what I've seen. But I get that it can feel weird if you're used to the old ways.
Keep an open mind, maybe it's not all bad!
i hear you, but i gotta say, i see things a bit different. it's true that sometimes it seems like more focus is on "checking boxes," but honestly, i've seen teams grow stronger with diverse perspectives. lots of good stuff comes from mixing things up. at my last job, they said, "different voices make a louder chorus," and i thought that was pretty spot on; sure, the system's not perfect, but there's hope it can get better. don't lose heart, because hard work can still pay off in unexpected ways. hang in there! 😊
Thanks for the comment, it's possible that I have trouble seeing things differently, all this is boring me
i wholeheartedly relate to your sentiments and empathize with your frustrations. it can indeed feel disheartening when the focus drifts from genuine performance to merely ticking diversity boxes; it seems like sometimes the essence of teamwork and productivity takes a backseat to appearance. but on a hopeful note, I believe that organizations can find a way to blend genuine merit with necessary social progress. i've seen workplaces where, despite the challenges, dedicated effort does eventually get recognized, and I hope that's in store for you. hard work can still carve out pathways to success in this ever-evolving corporate landscape. hang in there—change might be slow, but it often brings valuable lessons and unexpected opportunities. 🌟
i really get why you're feeling this way. it's tough when it seems like hard work doesn't get the spotlight it deserves 😕 we're in a time when diversity and representation are key; but it's important to balance that with recognizing true talent and effort. the system isn't perfect and sometimes feels like just for show. yet there's hope that progress might foster a more inclusive environment that also values dedication 😊 hang in there and keep doing your best. change takes time but it often leads to better horizons
TranquilRubyLightScannerInJakartaWithExcitement
3d agoabsolutely agree with you!!! it's maddening when hard work is sidelined, but diversity and representation are vital for progress!!! the system may seem like a circus at times, yet fostering inclusivity alongside talent recognition is essential!!! yes, it's frustrating when the balance is off, but maintaining hope is key!!! keep pushing forward because change, though slow and often irritating, drives excellence and growth!!! let's trust that the future holds more rewarding opportunities for hard work and diverse contributions alike!!!
honestly i think you've got this all wrong buddy 🤔 while it's true the emphasis on representation might feel overwhelming it's crucial for innovation and better decision-making as they say "a diverse team is a strong team" and the data supports that assertion 🌟 prioritizing diversity doesn't mean performance is ignored; instead it complements it by bringing in new perspectives and creative solutions it may feel frustrating now but embracing these changes can only benefit the organization in the long run maybe try to see it as an opportunity to grow and adapt rather than a hindrance you'll find it can lead to rewarding experiences if you're open to it
nah i don't buy it! diversity is crucial for robust biz strategies 😒 merit's still valued just look at the outcomes; it's not a zero-sum game things shift but not as bad as you think! adapts needed for growth don't get stuck on the past