Dear Annie: I’m angry that my hard work is overshadowed by nepotism

I’ve worked at a boutique interior design firm for four years, and until recently, I loved my job. But two months ago, the owner hired her niece, “Claire,” fresh out of college, with zero experience. Since then, I’ve been sidelined on projects I used to lead, and Claire—who doesn’t know the first thing about client management—is suddenly being introduced as a “rising star.”

I’ve spent years building relationships with clients and vendors, often working late and covering when we were short-staffed. Now I’m watching Claire get praise for things I quietly handled behind the scenes. When I brought it up to my boss, she said Claire brings “fresh energy” and that I shouldn’t feel threatened.

But I do feel threatened. I’m starting to wonder if there’s even room for me to grow here anymore, or i