Competitive Workplace

[pollycupcake]

I'm in a job where I'm feeling stressed and busy enough just minding my own business and getting my work done, without having to worry about what everyone else is doing. Unfortunately, I'm one of about 8 new(ish) (last year or so) graduates at the company, and it's becoming more and more competitive. There's no avoiding it. I've tried to just bury my head in the sand, ignore it and get on with my work - but that's ultimately going to be detrimental to my career. The managers are measuring us up against each other as much as we're doing it amongst ourselves,so I feel like I've either got to "play the game or get left behind."

I don't deal with stress well and find it hard to compete in an environment where there aren't exactly clear markers of who is "winning" (i.e. it's not like in a swimming race where they award 1st, 2nd and 3rd) - you never know who's 'ahead' or who the managers think is the 'golden one' most of the time and so you think you're doing ok and then the next thing you know, you overhear that the girl who started four months after you has been given a place on the best project you wanted to work on so much etc

I want to do well at work, and I don't want to get eaten in the competitive "rat race" environment. How should I deal with this?

[Clint Cora]

Welcome to the corporate life! I was in it for about 25 years so I know what you are talking about. Hate to tell you but this is the way it is in the corporate sector. Although there might be some stress and conflict management tips out there for this, I really think their usefulness is limited if this is an environment that you really do not like.

You can try another company, maybe a smaller one or maybe a relocation to a city that is less of a rat race. Sometimes such changes might be enough to make the corporate world more manageable for you.

If not, then you have to be honest with yourself that this sector is not for you. I came to grips with that for myself. Although I was glad that I experienced it, I probably stayed in about 15 years too long.

[Lauxa]

Just do your best to make your boss look good, IMO that's the best thing you can do for yourself in the corporate world.

[sandy]

If you *have to* stay in that *rat race* for right now, still, try to be mindful through it(you noticing yourself feeling somewhat stuck is also a good start), and learn things from it

Below is a post I've wrriten couple days ago, about working mindful in the chaotic environment, hope can help

Be yourself at work — Journal of Xuan

[Clint Cora]

Originally Posted by Lauxa

Just do your best to make your boss look good, IMO that's the best thing you can do for yourself in the corporate world.

This is very true. However, if one has a nasty boss and/or must continuously work with others who are 'toxic', it is often better to move on. Another possible option depending on what your career aspirations are, would be positions which require you to be outside the company offices most of the time. These would include corporate sales and service type of positions where most of the time are spent visiting customers and clients.

Many people opt to be in these positions because they offer more freedom in terms of scheduling and much less exposure to office politics. I know many who love the outside work lifestyle so much that they would refuse promotions to management positions inside the office.

So different options available for you.