For more than a year my direct supervisor couldn't stop bragging about her "star" employee. When, for the first time, she praised his exceptional skills at figuring out and resolving technical problems I did not pay too much attention. However, when I had to listen to her admiration for this individual almost every time I went to work I started to build up a feeling of annoyance, jealousy, maybe resentment, and, eventually, I could not stand to be around her or him anymore for long periods of time.

This "star" co-worker is a nice, highly likable, funny guy who is very confident and has always a positive attitude unlike me. Basically, he has all the qualities that I would like to have. Since I was a child I have been struggling to keep my self-confidence afloat and improve my social skills so for me it is very challenging to cope with my supervisor's lack of sensitivity and extremely poor managerial skills.

Now this "star" co-worker is gone, but another one is coming to replace him next week and rumors are already spreading that he is a "super employee". I would like to give my notice but I cannot because, as I mentioned earlier, I don't have another job lined up.