In January 2026, I had my performance review, which didn't go the way I expected. As one of the more senior people on the team, I anticipated a promotion in level, a raise, or a higher bonus reflecting my performance. Instead, I was given a raise that was framed as being for my individual work — but I later discovered everyone on the team received the exact same increase, which was actually a market-wide adjustment rather than anything tied to performance. Meanwhile, I found out that multiple colleagues with about half my tenure received higher bonuses and were given more responsibility than I was.
Since then, the pattern has continued. I was rejected for another position within the same company. I've been passed up on responsibilities I've directly expressed interest in, while people with less than four months at the company are being chosen for the kinds of opportunities I want. Coworkers are advancing and being recognized even though I'm outperforming them in output.
This isn't for lack of speaking up — I've asked for these opportunities directly and reasonably, and I'm more than capable of handling them. On top of that, I've never missed a day of work without using PTO, and I'm already at the maximum amount allowed.
The current project manager is also a new outside hire and was only there half the time with us for the performance review.
Corporate life sucks.
Coworkers suck.
Boss sucks.