Just Thinking Out Loud to Myself

So......

as I've stated before, I feel very under-utilized at work. It's been a tough year trying to find meaningful work to do on a regular basis - and it's been tough to keep my professional ego in check because of it. Throughout last year I noticed that whenever there was a transition of duties (whether through reduction, retirement, or resignation), my supposed equal co-worker would be given additional responsibilities and I would be handed a very teensy tiny role. I've sucked it up and swallowed my frustration because..hey, I need my job. But today I found out that this particular co-worker was once again given a major responsibility role and I obviously wasn't considered. It's frustrating to me because I HAVE experience in this new role and 10 plus more years of experience over my co-worker. So I have to ask myself:

• Is it because I'm female?
• Is it because I'm Caucasian - yes, I just went there?
• Is it because I don't sit in our boss's office numerous times a day to get a personal level?
• Is it because my co-worker is working on an MBA and I hold 2 B.S. degrees?
• Is it because I could be sitting in a lay-off position at some point and my boss doesn't want to give me added responsibility?
• Is it because of my age - and that my co-worker is 10 years younger?

I don't know but I am going to find out! As an EXPERIENCED HR professional I am frustrated...and hurt. I've worked very hard to get where I am today and quite frankly, disappointed that I haven't been able to gain the experience I need to classify as a Sr.-level professional in my field. I had hoped to be a little further along by now and each time an additional responsibility is pass off to my co-worker I get further behind in my career.

My choice of actions are:

1. Aggressively look for another job
2. Suck it up and see what happens
3. Talk honestly and openly with my Boss

I'm taking Option #3!