Hi doremi,

Even as a kid, you would know the difference between a feel good rec center class, “That’s GREAT!!!” and a competitive travel team going to Nationals, “DO IT! FIX IT! FASTER!”

Your boss’s praise might as well be no praise if he does it all the time. But it’s a nice problem to have, especially because you could have ended up with a boss out of The Devil Wears Prada. And seeking approval from your boss isn’t seeking the wrong approval at all. From who else would you seek approval? LOL. At least you’re not resting on your laurels.

As for being passed over, you are still very young. If an age mate is being promoted, it probably has to do with a more worldly veneer or a glamour of competence.

Keep up Excellence!

Inky