I had this problem when I worked as an attorney where billable hours rule. If I efficiently got a memo done in 2 hours and someone else took 4 hours, the person who took 4 hours ends up with more billables and is a better associate in the eyes of the firm. Obviously, if someone was super slow they would eventually be let go but I'm talking about smaller differences that add up over time. Also, as my superiors realized that I could produce quality work quickly, I became their associate who put out fires. I ended up having to mop up after other people and getting involved in crises that I didn't create. I found the whole thing very frustrating and stressful. It was one of many reasons, including not having a life outside of work, that got me to quit. Phew!
