Yup. There’s a certain amount of finesse with this process. 
I wish that I didn’t have to complain about nepotism, but it’s freaking pissing me off. Everything that they say about it is true.
Zombie nepotism!
What caused your revival of this thread?
There’s currently a nepotism controversy going on at a university in Lawrence, Kansas. No, not KU!
And when I go for yet another bathroom break, I grab some papers or a clipboard and stride like I have no time to even say hello. Often shaking my head and rolling my eyes as if to say “Oh, man, the fires i have to put out… stand aside, good citizens!”
And I powerwalk like that half a mile to the rest room at the other end of the building, so I can stop for the good coffee on the way back.
Bullshit! Those people have no capacity for introspection. They truly believe that they did the work and fully deserved their rewards. They have no trouble sleeping at night.
You may be thinking of humans.
A, um, friend of mine is an onsite contractor for the government. According to him, the amount of corruption he witnesses on a daily basis is mind-boggling. The worst part is when the government tells him to hire government retirees. These “double-dippers” don’t do anything of value. And they can’t be fired since they’re friends with the government folks.
He can’t say anything out of fear of losing his job. He’s simply become numb to it. 
Zombie Update!
I forgot I made this thread back when things were so bad. I finally followed a friends advice - don’t list my direct report as a reference. Turns out she was giving a silent negative review of me to potential employers. She’d say “all I can tell you is that he works here” implying that she’d say more negative but isn’t allowed to.
I was afraid no one would consider hiring me if I didn’t list my direct report.
Instead I listed the head of HR who I worked with closely, the head of procurement, and a co-worker. They gave me such a glowing review that my current employer pretty much understood what was implied by not listing my direct report.
They offered me 50% more than I was currently making, a pension, gym benefits, job growth…freedom!
I just finished my first year here and have already secured two raises for 5% and 2%. I have complete job agency and am well liked and respected. I sat in on an interview for a position equal to the one I filled and I overheard our president mention that no one stood out like I had when I interviewed.
I am so happy now!
Oh and the place is only a 10 minute bike ride away!
OH OH OH! Also, I get more holidays and every time I have a holiday my previous employer doesn’t I go to the coffee shop my old boss goes to and remark how it’s 9:30 and she’s just now rolling into work - what a great use of taxpayer money.
It can take lots and lots of time, and there’s no guarantees, but life can get pretty sweet sometimes. Congrats!
Huh, I’ve never seen a zombie ride a bike to work…
But seriously, congratulations. Out of curiosity, is the new job still public sector?
Still public sector - now at a University. The thing is I’ve never been much of a career type. I just wanted something that would pay the bills while I pursue life. That previous employer kept testing me though.
Great news, and congratulations. 