I’ve been at my job for 10 years but new colleague was promoted above me – how is this fair?

DEAR DEIDRE: DESPITE working for my company for a decade, a new colleague was promoted above me.

I’ve done everything I can to earn a promotion, so how is this fair?

I’m a 50-year-old man, my colleague is 45 and we work for a copywriting company.

After years of hard work, when a senior position came up I was pretty confident that I had a good chance.

My manager was constantly singing my praises and telling me how vital I am to the company.

So you can imagine my disappointment when the role went to someone else.

While I knew that it wasn’t guaranteed, finding out that it had gone to a colleague who had started with us five months ago was really disheartening.

Jealousy has started to consume me. What does he have that I don’t?

I can’t understand where I’m going wrong.

DEIDRE SAYS: Having feelings of disappointment and resentment in this situation is normal.

You’ve given years of effort only to be overlooked and that’s hurtful, but this person isn’t to blame.

Instead, consider speaking to your boss.

Tell them how you feel and ask if there would be an opportunity to apply for a different or enhanced role.

My support pack Standing Up For Yourself can help you have this conversation and get the message across.