I'm underachieving and working with negative co-workers

[Anonymous]

I have been a state government lawyer for over a decade. I've applied for other jobs, including a more advanced position, and I'm still here.

My job is secure given that I am in a union. I can pay the bills and I provide health insurance for my family. I can get to evening and weekend sporting events of my kids.

I felt hesitant posting here. It's not always the most supportive place. I feel guilty for "complaining" because there are so many unemployed lawyers.

My co-workers range from depressed, bitter, disengaged, dopey and wearing rose colored glasses. I have a co-worker who has zero self-esteem, projects all these things onto me, is jealous of me but also thinks of me as her best friend at work. I guess that makes us "frenemies".

Thanks for listening and offering any useful suggestions or insights.

A fellow urban mom.

[Anonymous]

Don't feel guilty. I felt that way in county gov't and got out... much happier now.

[Anonymous]

You could go in-house and would still have the good hours, but maybe a kinder work environment and better co-workers.

[Anonymous]

If you don't like your co-workers, you want to adjust to that mentally. I try to laugh to myself at them, or just take everything they say with a grain of salt. I think the worst thing to do is to take it personally or join them in their negative thinking.

[Anonymous]

Ditto. I have applied for jobs but get "Well Qualified" but blocked out of the cert.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried meditation? Get a meditation podcast, and shut your door at lunch and do it. Just 15 min a day helps me stay positive. The practice of clearing your mind and focusing on the moment can help you ignore negative co-workers and make it easier for the little annoyances to slide off your back.