Glenford Smith | Worker feeling worthless

QUESTION: How can I go about getting redress from an organisation that has failed to promote me for 18 years? have never been called to a meeting to discuss my shortcomings or given any advice on my worth, work, and conduct even though I have asked for evaluations on my performance without success. I went for an interview with top management. my file was pulled, and we went through it together. There was no blemish on my file, which he found strange, yet five years after, I have yet to gain a promotion. I need your advice.

- Worthless worker

CAREERS: Thanks for your letter, which had to be condensed because of its length.

In addition to the above, you said: "I have given up trying, but I am feeling worthless and very distressed to the point where I just want to give up and take to the streets. Last night, I found myself talking to myself, and I know it is the stress of not being able to gain a promotion.

"I have gone to counselling, seminars, workshops, and invested in personal development and acted in higher office without ever being given an explanation as to why I cannot earn a promotion. I am anxious to leave, but I feel that upon leaving, I would be heading further downhill as it is either the streets or the bars in a bid to hide my shame."

It seems strange that you could go for all of 18 years without either getting a promotion or an explanation as to why you do not qualify for one. If it is in fact lack of a promotion that is causing this level of anxiety and this feeling of failure and worthlessness, then I suggest a simple solution: go in and talk it over with your supervisor and manager.

The problem seems to be that you are worried needlessly. Go in and ask what be the problem could why you are not getting a promotion. Then listen for the answer. The answer will either suit you or not. But then you will know what management is thinking of you. This is much better than ruminating and getting angry over something that is not the real cause of your lack of promotion.

You are getting paid, I presume. Although any additional promotion brings more money, it seems unlikely that lack of this additional money would be causing this degree of stress. I have to ask you, are you having any fun at work? Because if you are, why would you be "feeling worthless and very distressed to the point where you just want to give up and take to the streets"?

You seem to have some issues of low self-esteem and low self-worth. Therefore, before going to the bars or the streets, I would advise you to go to your human resource department, make an appointment with them, and discuss the issues. They will know how to guide you and give you some solid next steps.

All the best.

- Glenford Smith is a motivational speaker and success strategist. He is the author of 'From Problems to Power' and co-author of 'Profile of Excellence'. glenfordsmith@yahoo.com