Seeing what our managers get paid is making me angry. How can I deal with this?

There appears to have been a conflict of interest in the recruitment of the daughter. Most public services require appointments to be merit-based, transparent and free from conflict of interest. If your director was involved in the recruitment of her daughter, and didn’t declare a conflict of interest, that would be an issue.

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However, it sounds like your director may have alerted her boss to the situation, so you should tread carefully. The relationship may have been fully explained, and the approval was given to recruit regardless. If you want to take it further, you could consider lodging a report with your department’s integrity or standards team.

I’m a highly experienced administrator who has always enjoyed a solid reputation as a resilient, top-notch operator. However, after several years in my most recent role, I ended up on WorkCover for two years following workplace bullying. I am now looking for a new role and I don’t feel it wise to be open about the injury, even though it is resolved now. What is your advice? Are there organisations more inclined to be open to people returning to work following such a situation? The shame and fear is difficult to let go.

You have nothing to be ashamed about. Sadly, workplace bullying destroys many people and yet here you are, ready to get back into the workplace. That takes guts and determination.

You don’t need to tell a future employer every detail of what happened, but instead share the truth, with boundaries. Perhaps you could say something about having taken time off to reset after a long stretch in a particularly high-pressure role. You could emphasise how you recognised you needed to focus on your wellbeing to start a role, like this one, stronger and more energised. Then focus on the future and all the ways you are looking forward to adding value.

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If you feel you want to build your confidence and your resume before entering the full-time workforce once more, you might like to think about short-term contract work or interim administrator roles, which will also provide a bit more colour to your last few years in and out of the workplace.

To submit a question about work, careers or leadership, visit kirstinferguson.com/ask. You will not be asked to provide your name or any identifying information. Letters may be edited.

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