[bavarianbob]

> I just keep seeing the people I respect leaving and the people I don't respect getting promoted, over and over again.

I resonate to this feeling and how I reflected on my own experience was that it isn't me, it's the company. As others have mentioned, relationships are king. In some companies, it's likely you're not going to make relationships with the decision makers and that's not a reflection of who you are.

Thinking this is an ambition problem is self-blame and is unfair to yourself.

[ananonone]

Thanks, the more I think about it the more this feels like the most salient point. Over the last few years, the people with sway who I had (and still have, albeit outside of the workplace) good mutual respect and rapport have made themselves scarce, moving to other verticals or leaving the company entirely... I guess I shouldn't be surprised that over time this just leaves less of them in management. It's sad but the truth is I'm just also ready to leave this org to the B minus suck ups and corporate ball washers so I can go actually make something again.

Thanks for commiserating