I checked out groceries through college, in a union store, so you knew everyone's rate of pay. Even back then they knew how many customers you checked out & your total sales & it infuriated me that the checker next to me could be slow & even lose money from their till, but they made the same as me. I couldn't wait to finish college & get a real job where you were paid according to the quality work you did. LOL. The joke was on me.
As for the mentor thing, IMO that boils down to too many managers like the butt-kissers better than the worker bees. This is true everywhere. There are exceptions, but good managers are hard to find. Also, if you ever display a "I don't give a shit" attitude, it will never be forgiven. Can you tell I'm not fond of corporate culture? 
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