Q: I am a recent college graduate in my first job. I am part of the staff that assists the consultants. We call them the "suits," and they are the professionals that work directly with the clients.

My question doesn't just pertain to my company; it also has to do with other companies with different levels of employees. The employees at my level do the grunt work, but we still have certain requirements. We don't meet with clients, so we dress casually every day while our bosses have to wear suits.

They seem overly impressed with themselves to the point of acting arrogant. My co-workers and I have talked about how we are ignored by these executives and only spoken to when they need something. They will hold conversations in front of us and not even acknowledge our presence in the room. It's as if we don't exist. They will walk by us in the hallway without a "hello" or even a nod.

I would have never expected this. I have never felt like a nonentity before, but working here makes me feel less than human. What's worse is that instead of wanting to advance to a level of management within the company, I want nothing to do with that kind of position. If that's what happens when you get to be an executive, I want no part of it.

So my real question is: Are executives only like this at my company or is this kind of behavior typical?

A: You are experiencing the negative character traits that have come from an insecure person who has now made it. Though competitiveness exists at most companies, extreme behavior should not be seen as the norm. The best situation is when your boss becomes your mentor, something everyone should hope for when he or she joins an organization.

Don't allow your anger to hurt your chances for advancement. You should do a good job for you, as well as for your company. Your bosses' arrogance is unnecessary, but they are perhaps caught up in the importance they want to portray.

Remember, this is your first job and a stepping stone to an even better job. Do your work and turn off your sensitivity regarding your bosses' behavior. They have made it clear you are only as important as the work you do, and you have nothing to gain by challenging them. Statistics show that your age group stays in jobs from one to three years, so your goal should be to get the best recommendation you can while you are there.

FAVORITISM PUTS CO-WORKER IN FIRST PLACE

Q: My co-worker has gained favor with our boss, and she has surpassed me because of it. I have not done anything wrong, so I don't know what to improve to change the scales. If the boss just likes her better than me, should I look for another job rather than be the underdog?

A: Yours is a very real problem in the workplace: Bosses have favorites, and changing their preferences may not be worth the effort. Also, assuming you want to play fair, and maintain your dignity and respect from others, whatever you try probably won't work. Once you accept the reality and disappointment of the situation, start a job search to lift your spirits and possibly find a better match. Keep in mind, though, that a new employer will have other issues for you, and there's no guarantee they will be better than simply not being the favorite.

Email your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at LindseyNovak@yahoo.com and follow her on Twitter @I_truly_care. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com.