I have an ethical dilemma. I’m an in-house consultant at a manufacturing company. However, I have noticed that company executives do not find my work useful or important. Should I leave or stay, knowing that my work might never be recognized?
You don’t have an ethical problem. You have a classic career problem, and the solution is straightforward: You need to get out. Look, you’re at a company where the work you do is not valued. It doesn’t make any difference if you are right or wrong. Your work could unlock untold profits. But if your bosses fundamentally don’t think it matters, you will be shouting into the wind forever.
Your problem is “classic,” incidentally, because it’s so common. It typically starts with the creeping sense that the terrific work you’re doing doesn’t interest the powers that be. The situation quickly spirals downward. The employee becomes angry and frustrated, the bosses grow annoyed. As the disconnect widens, employee performance usually worsens, and resentment on both sides builds.
Then boom! The employee is canned or quits in a rage. Luckily, it is not too late for you. Make your exit amicable and orderly. That will be good for both the company and your reputation. But do what you need to do soon: Move on.
This question and answer originally appeared in Business Week magazine on February 06, 2006.
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