Is it a sense of justice or bitterness that motivates me? Two years ago, a senior partner at my firm retired and I was passed over for someone who joined six months after me—but who went to a more prestigious law school and has family connections to major clients. I've been stewing ever since. I work harder than anyone in my department. I bill more hours, and my outcomes are better. But I can't stop obsessing over this injustice. I've started looking at other firms, but part of me wants to stay and prove them wrong. My wife says the bitterness is changing me. I snap at the kids. I check my work email at dinner. I fantasize about my rival failing spectacularly. Is my ambition healthy or is it destroying me? Should I leave for a fresh start or stay and fight for what I deserve? — Passed Over in Philadelphia
When ambition becomes obsession. Hamilton's relentless striving meets Lincoln's patient principle.
Is it a sense of justice or bitterness that motivates me? Two years ago, a senior partner at my firm retired and I was passed over for someone who joined six months after me—but who went to a more prestigious law school and has family connections to major clients. I've been stewing ever since. I work harder than anyone in my department. I bill more hours, and my outcomes are better. But I can't stop obsessing over this injustice. I've started looking at other firms, but part of me wants to stay and prove them wrong. My wife says the bitterness is changing me. I snap at the kids. I check my work email at dinner. I fantasize about my rival failing spectacularly. Is my ambition healthy or is it destroying me? Should I leave for a fresh start or stay and fight for what I deserve? — Passed Over in Philadelphia
Alexander Hamilton
"Rise above your circumstances through relentless effort and strategic brilliance"
39 votes
Abraham Lincoln
"Hold firm to what matters, but examine whether this battle serves your larger purpose"
47 votes
86 votes total
Full Positions
From The Federalist Papers
"Rise above your circumstances through relentless effort and strategic brilliance"
I was not born into privilege either. Your legacy is built daily through the quality of your work. But channel that fire into building something they cannot ignore, not into bitterness that consumes you.
From Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete
"Hold firm to what matters, but examine whether this battle serves your larger purpose"
The measure of a leader is navigating conflict with both principle and pragmatism. Even your enemies deserve empathy—you may need them as allies tomorrow. Is proving them wrong worth becoming someone your family doesn't recognize?
More Career & Professional Growth Debates
See all →I have been a high school English teacher for 10 years, but the stress and the low pay are finally getting to me, and I want to transition into the corporate world. The problem is that every job listing for 'Instructional Design' or 'Corporate Trainer' asks for 3-5 years of corporate experience, which I don't have. I know my skills in curriculum planning and public speaking translate perfectly, but I can't seem to get past the automated resume screeners. How do I rewrite my resume to translate 'classroom management' into business language so recruiters take me seriously? I feel stuck and I don't want to go back to school for another degree if I don't have to.
Benjamin Franklin
"Industry and self-improvement open any door—translate your skills strategically"
37 votes
Florence Nightingale
"Before you flee, ask: are you running toward something or away from something?"
50 votes
87 votes total