Pivoting past office politics

I have a situation where my office pays for my coworker’s PMP studies. I have to self-finance mine without my employer’s assistance because I am not the ‘Golden boy’. This is a big professional slight because earning this credential propels your career. PMP is accepted across multiple industries. This has stung because it is like my office doesn’t have the same vested interest in my career success as it does my coworker’s. I admit that I am extremely disappointed.

Life isn’t fair. There are favoritism and office politics within any work environment. I have been in this predicament where I have been on the bad side. Here are my three tips on how you deal with it and manage your career effectively.

Take the emotion out of the situation

I know that this extremely hard to do when you spend 40 hours looking at these people. You have to convert this emotional energy into productivity. In my case, I have saved the money to purchase project management study guides. Remember, that you still control your paycheck! Instead of feeling sorry for yourself and buying a tub of ice cream, invest in yourself by saving the money to get the requisite credential to advance your career. You have to manage your money differently because your career is stagnating here.

Use what workplace capital and stick to the bottom line

You will get through this rough patch of corporate betrayal. Align what you want with your company’s objectives to achieve buy-in. I have. I have used my capital to have my employer upload the project management software onto my work computer. I have sold the company that this is a way of improving my productivity. No, you may not be the favorite but money is money; and, increasing work productivity makes money.

Use this opportunity to pivot somewhere else

Go where you’re appreciated not tolerated. Don’t ever tolerate mistreatment from any place especially when you are spending 40 hours a week there. You are a competent professional. Favoritism means that I am being tolerated. I have used my simulation software ‘win’ to pass the PMP exam. I have pivoted to another career opportunity. Immediately I market my PMP/MBA combination into a private sector opportunity.