Q: A couple of weeks ago, you responded to a reader who was all but certain they’d get a promotion but, embarrassingly, it went to someone else. I’m in a similar situation and even though we’ve all been professional in the aftermath, somehow I feel like I’m viewed as “damaged goods,” if that makes sense. I’m ready to find “another playing field” like you advised, and switch companies. I want to go where my talents are valued. Any tips?

A: “Damaged goods” makes perfect sense, and good for you for choosing to move on. Sometimes we can’t recover from this type of career setback, unless we change who is around us.

It’s difficult to function at your best if you stay in a place where everyone around you is aware that you were passed over. It’s exhausting to appear confident when you feel people are either feeling sorry for you because you were treated unfairly or thinking that you must not have been ready for prime time.

So it’s much more fruitful to leave this baggage behind and start fresh in a new company. Have you heard the saying, “No one is accepted in their own hometown”?

You sometimes must leave those with whom you’re overly familiar in order to make a name for yourself and establish your true worth.

Some pointers for your move:

• Don’t quit your current job until you have a new one. Employers prefer candidates who are employed. Period.
• Don’t job-hunt openly at work. Beware that companies don’t look kindly on employees looking to jump ship. Can you blame them? Be discreet. Job-hunt off the clock.
• Don’t bad-mouth your current company to a prospective employer. Yes, even if they’re horrible and you’re completely justified, do not. Restrict your rants to trusted friends and family.
• Secure strong references. Most companies don’t allow managers to give references, so you’re better off asking a peer or colleague for one. At the very least, keep copies of your performance evaluations.
• When departing, resist the urge to burn bridges. Always leave on good terms.

Once you’re working elsewhere, work hard to apply your talents and establish yourself within the team in your “new playing field.”

©Copyright Eva Del Rio