What to do when you’re being overlooked
I know this woman who was overlooked for a promotion.
Actually… I know like 50 women who were overlooked for promotions.
But there’s one in particular that I’m thinking of right now.
She did everything “right.”
She attended the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meetings.
She impressed all the right people.
She met her goals.
Then when it came time for a promotion… crickets.
Totally overlooked.
It’s a tale as old as time.
Go ahead and sing that last line to yourself. Because it’s 100% a nod to Beauty & the Beast.
You’ll probably have that song stuck in your head all day now 💁
But I digress.
When you’re overlooked, you basically have two options:
Keep playing by the same old rules and hope it works out differently next time
Unsubscribe from the rules and start working on your own terms
Some people HAVE to choose option #1 because their circumstance necessitates that they conform.
But for many of us, options #2 is absolutely viable.
We just have to be willing to choose it.
Playing by your own rules does not mean blowing up your career or burning bridges.
There’s a quiet dignity to it.
It’s a secure, grounded, internal knowing.
And from that place, here’s what you might do:
Do less and care less (but don’t tell anyone)
Reclaim your calendar
Say “no” more often / set boundaries
Walk away / Quit
This last point is my absolute favorite!
When you’re willing to walk away, you automatically gain the upper hand.
It feels so good to be in this position.
You can quit on the spot. Or you can take your time and devise a plan.
Either way, use your disappointment and anger as fuel.
Allow it to reconnect you to your values and purpose.
Allow yourself to dream again - to reconnect with your own greatness.
Get fed up enough to take things into your own hands.
It’s not about revealing your outrage (though you may choose to!).
It’s about feeling it within yourself and allowing that outrage to spur change in your life / career.
That moment when you’re overlooked is a great time to start standing up for yourself.
If you’re a people pleaser or workaholic, it might feel unfamiliar.
It can also be scary AF.
Which is why it helps to get lots of support through the process.
If you’re fantasizing about quitting or feel completely fed up with work, reach out to me.
I’d love to talk.
Feel free to snag 30 minutes on my calendar.
Thanks For Reading!
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