#Someone new is taking the promotion I wanted — is it wrong to hate them?

“I completely agree that the person you are bringing in from the outside is better qualified for the role than I am,” said no one ever. Hate is such a common verb. How about something with more character, like loathe or abhor? Seriously — don’t displace your disappointment by taking it out on your new boss. For one, it isn’t her fault, and for two, you may have to look for yet another new boss very quickly if you act that way. Perhaps this person does have more experience than you and is better qualified for the role at this time. This is only awkward if you make it so. Reserve judgment. Welcome your new boss warmly and professionally. Demonstrate that you are a top talent that wants to be on her team. You can always look for another job, but meanwhile, give your new boss a chance.

I’m so done with COVID, lockdowns and Zoom. I want to quit and resurface when the pandemic is over. How will future employers view me if I take time off until the world returns to normal?

Can you let me know when that is? I would love to know, as would everyone else I suspect. I hear you. New York has lost its swagger — but be grateful that you don’t live in California, where Thanksgiving COVID-19 gathering restrictions are even stricter than in New York City. We all need a mental health break, and the stress from the uncertainty is taking its toll on millions of people. Perhaps you just need some time off instead of a complete shutdown? Get some counseling before quitting your job and going into a bunker — you might be there longer than you anticipate. If you do put your career on hold, there’s a certain amount of time off that an employer will understand given the circumstances. But the longer the gap, the harder it is to explain, even during COVID.

Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. E-mail your questions to [email protected]. Follow Greg on Twitter: @greggiangrande and at GoToGreg.com, dedicated to helping New Yorkers get back to work.