Competitive envy

Professional jealousy
Envy of another's wealth

Nature

Jealousy in response to the actual or presumed advantage of a rival, especially in regard to professional success or ability, but also any area of domestic, or human life.

Incidence

A 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 38% of respondents reported experiencing feelings of envy towards colleagues’ achievements, with higher rates among younger professionals and those in competitive industries such as finance and technology. Studies indicate that competitive envy is more prevalent in urbanized, high-income countries, where social comparison is intensified by digital platforms and workplace performance metrics.
In 2018, a well-publicized incident at a major London law firm saw several junior associates anonymously sabotage a colleague’s project after she received a prestigious industry award, leading to an internal investigation and highlighting the destructive impact of competitive envy in professional environments.

Claim

Envy and fear cause the face to pale, and love makes it glow. (Paramhansa Yogananda).

Counter-claim

Competitive envy is a trivial concern that distracts from real issues. Instead of fixating on others' successes, individuals should focus on personal growth and collaboration. Envy only breeds negativity and stifles innovation. In a world where cooperation drives progress, wasting energy on jealousy is counterproductive. Let’s celebrate achievements and learn from one another rather than wallowing in envy. Ultimately, competitive envy is a self-imposed barrier to success, not a significant problem worth our attention.