Mia,

Minimizing an employee's value by calling it 'average' is a nasty little tactic that depends on the normal human trait of self-minimalization. This boss definitely does not have your best interest at heart. This tactic works in just about any situation. Someone stays at work for 36 hours straight to recover a failed database - "that's what we pay her to do; what's the big deal?" Talk a customer out of canceling a major contract - "anybody could have done that; I just gave you the opportunity to see if you would screw it up." Build an excellent application that saves the company thousands of dollars each month - "well, don't worry, once you get some more experience you'll learn how to build a more elegant solution."

This type of manager is either a) trying to look good at your expense, b) trying to make you believe that you couldn't get a job anywhere else so that you won't leave, or c) is just a seriously screwed-up individual. In any case, don't depend on this manager to be good for your career.

\Steve