I’ve been kinda pretending like I don’t know how to do certain things at my job. Not major things, but like, formatting reports, figuring out a certain spreadsheet formula, or using some internal system I’ve literally used a bunch before. I just act like I need to “look into it” or like “oh I’ve never really done that before.” Even though I totally could do it in like 10 minutes.
It’s not cause I’m lazy (I mean, maybe a little?), it’s more like… I’m scared of becoming the “go-to” person again. That happened at my last job. I was good at stuff, helpful, reliable. And then suddenly I was the person everyone dumped stuff on. Extra projects, last-minute favors, “you’re the only one I trust with this” type of nonsense. And I kept saying yes, cause I thought it meant I was doing good. But it just burned me out so fast. No promotion, no raise. Just more pressure. I am smart too.
So now I play average. Not dumb exactly, just like… harmlessly mediocre. I do what I’m asked, sometimes a bit more, but never enough to draw attention. It’s weird though cause I actually like being good at things. I like solving problems. But I’m so scared of going down that road again that I’ve basically built a version of myself at work that’s like 70% of what I could do.
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Honestly, this is way more relatable than people admit. Being too competent without reward turns you into a free resource, not a valued employee. Protecting your peace ≠ being lazy—it’s called boundaries with flair.
Felt tht
Same here. I’m not a grumpy or distant guy per se, but I play that role to a degree at work just enough to not be seen as openly hostile, but as “maybe I can ask another person”.
At my old job, I was the head of my department, plus unpaid side gigs as IT guy, plus janitorial works plus marketing. Hell nah.
I remember as a kid letting my friends win at video games (and actually PRETENDING to get mad at them for beating me) just because I wanted to “fit it” and not make them wanna leave my house so soon. But as an adult, I want ALL the smoke. I’m trying to be the best at EVERYTHING. PISS on how others feel about it lol
This is the corporate survival strategy no one warns you about—burnout made you wise. Playing “harmlessly mediocre” is just self-preservation in a system that rewards silence over skill. Honestly? Smart move.