My kid was looking at Instagram over my shoulder and said, “You know, they always show the ride, but they never show the line. It’s only the fun stuff, never the wait.”

‍We all know that social media tends to highlight the best moments of our lives. And we’ve each probably posted many sunsets, birthday cakes, vacation moments - not the kid meltdown in the airport, snapping at our spouse or losing it when we’re stressed. Professionally, I see the same pattern. We show up at work with a professional demeanor, a can-do attitude, unvarnished ambition and tidy personal appearance (at least the visible parts on Zoom). But, all of us have anxieties, uncertainty, jealousy and rage about work. We aren’t recognized, we feel promotions come too infrequently, and it seems we’re never compensated appropriately. Seeing an ex-teammate on LinkedIn announcing an amazing new job can really feel like salt in a wound.It’s easy to assume “It’s going well for most everyone but me.”
Everyone is on the ride, and you’re standing in line.You’re comparing their outside to your inside.

• You see their success and accomplishments - their personal marketing, and you’re comparing that to your deepest inner anxieties and concerns.
• Those inner parts of us that are most deeply human. And that’s a pretty normal thing.

Jealously can help us better understand what we want.

• If this is the case, then take this valuable information to set goals and take steps on your own behalf
• You might even talk to your frenemy and ask how they did it - most people are generous in sharing some tips or tricks… or might share more about the line vs. the ride.
• Other times (if we’re honest), we’re jealous that the other person is having a moment of glory, but IRL we’re completely unwilling and uninterested in doing the work required.

But what to do?

• Extend some compassion to yourself. This is a pretty timeless struggle for humans.
• Recognize that your timing, path and is unique. Everyone has good and bad times.
• Be appreciative of what you DO have. Often we take for granted the good things in our own lives.