Dear Mel,

I'm feeling stuck in a tough situation at work. I don’t have the same level of experience or education as my colleagues, and it sometimes feels like they don’t value the hard work I put in every day. This has me wondering—am I just being insecure, or is it time to speak up about it?

Sincerely,

Major Overthinker

Dear Major Overthinker,

Thank you for sharing what you're going through—it sounds really challenging, and you're not alone in feeling this way. Many people face similar situations, where differences in background or education make it easy to feel undervalued.

First, take a step back and recognize the strengths you bring to your role. Your dedication and work ethic are qualities that can’t always be taught or replaced, and they’re critical to the team’s success. It’s worth reminding yourself that you were chosen for this role because of what you bring to the table, regardless of background.

If you’re comfortable, consider having a conversation with a trusted supervisor or mentor. Expressing how hard you’re working and discussing your contributions could not only help you gain feedback but also give your efforts more visibility. Sometimes, leaders might not realize what we’re handling day-to-day until we share it directly.

It might also be helpful to set some goals for yourself—maybe learning a new skill or asking for more challenging projects. This can help you feel more confident and gradually close any gaps that feel like obstacles.

Remember, insecurity is natural in these situations, but your hard work deserves recognition. Speaking up can be a powerful move, especially if you frame it around your desire to grow and contribute even more.

Wishing you all the best,
Mel