Ask Amy: Employee in dream job gets a 'B'
Dear Not Trying: Striving for excellence does not make you a "B."
Your co-worker didn't hesitate to confront you and express her desire to submit her own work. Does this make her a B? No. She's defending her own mediocrity.
You will encounter this dynamic often in your work life.
When I was your age and in my very first professional job, I allowed myself to be thoroughly dominated by a co-worker who was at the same level professionally as I was. Yet, somehow, I let him gaslight me into believing that I worked for him.
When I (basically) whined about him to a supervisor, she said to me, "There will always be people like this at work, and more often than not, they're the ones who end up being vice presidents of the division. Don't complain. Do something about it. Find your own way." (Hmmm ... I wonder whatever became of that guy.)
Your fear in speaking up is on you. Get over it, and use your voice. If your name is attached to this content, don't ask her permission to improve the work. Do what you need to do, and - if necessary - explain (or apologize) later.
At your next performance review, you should pitch to your boss: "I'd like to create all the marketing content for the company. I think I can take it to the next level." Successful CEOs appreciate brave, ambitious, and creative workers - because, most often - they are reminded of themselves.
Dear Amy: Imagine my surprise when I learned that my family member, "Barb," did not really get married to her husband, but put on a fake ceremony to give her family and friends the illusion that she was actually getting married.
The marriage ceremony had all of the usual features -- minister, vows, rings and reception. They were introduced to those in attendance as "Mr. and Mrs."
The problem is they purposely never got a marriage license. They both knew they weren't legally getting married, but wanted everyone to think they were.
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