View Full Version : Passed Up For Promotion
Question and Vent session for whoever is interested.
Back story, I have been working at the same Engineering firm for the past 10 years, with the exception of a seven month hiatus back in 2014. I have received outstanding yearly reviews every year that I have been with the company and I have been singled out for praise by more than one of our clients on numerous occasions.
With that said, I found out today that I was skipped over for a promotion to Project Scientist and that the spot was filled by a co-worker who has worked at our company for a shorter time and has a lot less experience then I do.
Needless to say; I was shocked, pissed, and pretty angry when I heard the news. To top it all off, I just had my yearly review this past Tuesday and in it, my boss dropped a hint that I would be getting the promotion.
I have no ill-will to the co-worker who received the promotion; I get along with her and the rest of the people I work with. However, she is a bit of a loud mouth and is constantly going on and on about "fairness" to woman in the workplace. She complains about everything, is the first to say "not me" when we are asked to volunteer or help out on an unfavorable project, and has driven someone to quit and look for another job.
I say all that to say, I am the complete opposite at work. I'm starting to think my easy going attitude and "no problem I'll help" approach to things is why I ultimately got overlooked for this promotion. A buddy of mine said the squeaky wheel always gets the oil and he ain't wrong.
Has something like this happened to any of you and how did you handle it? I'm not about to go all F*** you on my boss or anyone at work, but I'm genuinely pissed off about this. So much so that I left work early today and took a personal day tomorrow, something I never do.
Anyway any advice is welcome.
It seems from what you say, you have no advancement potential in that firm. Only you can decide what your next move is. As for me, if I do not think I am valued, compensated properly, or treated fairly I change jobs and do not look back.
I can see the problem: You didn't know about the dead hooker in the bosses trunk, and she did.
Seriously though, what power is she holding over the decision makers?
My strategy in things like this is to simply and frankly talk about it. Not whining and complaining, but asking for a simple explanation of how and why they made that decision when you clearly had the edge in many ways. Sometimes you don't get a good answer, and sometimes you do. Depending on your demeanor, this can also send a message that they are messing with the wrong person. Sometimes that helps and sometimes it hinders. Judgement call.
PatrioticDisorder
10-25-18, 17:59
If I do not think I am valued, compensated properly, or treated fairly I change jobs and do not look back.
This, I put my 90 day notice in earlier in the month, found a position locally where I will be earning much more. OP, I suggest doing the same.
It seems from what you say, you have no advancement potential in that firm. Only you can decide what your next move is. As for me, if I do not think I am valued, compensated properly, or treated fairly I change jobs and do not look back.
This. I did that last year and now make more money, am valued, have better hours and am closer to home.
I'm starting to think my easy going attitude and "no problem I'll help" approach to things is why I ultimately got overlooked for this promotion. A buddy of mine said the squeaky wheel always gets the oil and he ain't wrong.
This has been my experience as well. If you're the guy that's always there to help, you'll get the shit detail jobs nobody else wants as your primary assignment, and the people you help with their tasks will take full credit for your work. In the end, you'll bubble down to the bottom of the rankings.
If you stay there, you need to look after yourself. At the end of the day, your co-workers don't give a shit about your success, so don't help them achieve theirs any more than is absolutely necessary.
Honestly, though, with 10+ years experience you shouldn't have much trouble finding a spot somewhere else (and probably with better pay and benefits). Something to think about.
Not knowing your feelings about the job and the company you work for, plus no idea of the company culture, it is hard to suggest to you what your best approach might be in talking to management.
Another thing that I don't know is whether there was an application and interview process, or was it strictly management choice.
In any case, if I wanted to continue in the company I would want to talk at least one level above the boss who hinted you would be in line for the job. I would explain that I was serious about a career with the company, that based on the accolades I had received thought I was on the right track, and would like to know what shortcomings kept me from getting the promotion so that I could work opn those aspects of my professional competence.
If I had'nt envisioned a long-term career with the company, I'd just keep my yap shut and leave, minimum notice, but be classy until the end of your tenure.
I had a good friend who was a detective, she got passed over because she was kind of housewife looking and the other gal competing for the job wasn't afraid to put her assets forward, but strategic yawning and stretching.
Sometimes that is the way things happen. Let them know in a nice way you are disappointed, then rock on, or keep quiet, be a good employee worth every penny they pay you then leave.
It seems from what you say, you have no advancement potential in that firm. Only you can decide what your next move is. As for me, if I do not think I am valued, compensated properly, or treated fairly I change jobs and do not look back.
Everything I was going to say nearly verbatim.
FromMyColdDeadHand
10-25-18, 18:51
All depends on how plu&play your skill set is and how many positions there are out there. The economy is about to tip over for the first time in a decade. Make sure your new (and your current position) are truly stable. You don’t want to walk into a LIFO situation.
You have to talk to your boss about why the position wasn’t yours. Don’t be angry about it, but look them in the eye and don’t let them weasel out of the answer. Hold them accountable.
One thing that I talk to new people about is that they need a “Patron Saint”. It may be your boss, it may be someone above them and even in a different command line. You need someone that has real power and the ability to make and if not make, block decisions that will tend to favor you. A Patron Saint is not just some with a highe position, it is someone that makes the company what it is. And Patron Saints get martyred from time to time too- but they are guarnateed and after-life, one where you might get invited too.
As someone with 20 years at one company, you’ve stayed too long with out a clear cut path of what is ahead. Be a franchise player and get treated like one, or find another team to play for. I’m in an odd situation, so I max’d My happiness rather than dollar count. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Everything I was going to say nearly verbatim.
Ditto
Coal Dragger
10-25-18, 19:02
Step 1.) Find a new job that pays better, has better benefits, and better advancement opportunities. Once you have an offer go to step #2.
Step 2.) After completing step #1 clean out most of your personal items from your office, and then bring this up with your boss. Don’t beat around the bush either. Tell them you either get promoted and significantly increased pay based on your documented superior performance or you are pursuing a better opportunity elsewhere effective immediately.
Step 3.) Act upon your demands. If they tell you: “no”, or “we’ll see what we can do” call your new employer ask when you can start and get ready for a new job. Take the rest of your vacation at the old job and walk out that day. Stop answering their phone calls, emails, or texts at that point. Particularly if they need your knowledge for the projects you were working on. Screw them.
If they say yes, prepare to move into your new and improved office.
Either way bask in the sweet smell of victory.
Diamondback
10-25-18, 19:05
This has been my experience as well. If you're the guy that's always there to help, you'll get the shit detail jobs nobody else wants as your primary assignment, and the people you help with their tasks will take full credit for your work. In the end, you'll bubble down to the bottom of the rankings.
If you stay there, you need to look after yourself. At the end of the day, your co-workers don't give a shit about your success, so don't help them achieve theirs any more than is absolutely necessary.
Honestly, though, with 10+ years experience you shouldn't have much trouble finding a spot somewhere else (and probably with better pay and benefits). Something to think about.
Same thing as why the guy who's always there when the gal needs help and proven reliable gets Friend Boxed rather than having his faithfulness rewarded.
What I'd consider would be quietly start putting the word out to headhunters, see what offers other companies would make for your skills and experience, kinda "casually leave 'em laying around" for others to "find"... then have a talk with the boss about "I'm getting all these offers from other companies, and while I'd really like to stay here, if I'm going to make a career with growth and advancement out of it I need to be a lot closer to these (show offers) than this (show current status)." (Don't do this if you're NOT willing to take one of those Better Offers and relocate if necessary, though.)
The other lesson learned here is, work to the Letter of your employment contract most of the time. By all means throw in a little Value Added every once in a while at crunch-time, but don't make it everyday--if you give 110% day-in day-out every year like my mother has over four decades at Boeing, all you tell 'em is "I'm an easy mark and a masochist, Insert Big Banana Here and I won't even insist on the nicety of lube."
I'd look at all the advice posted to search for a different employer.
A few things I'd keep in mind while doing so:
1) If you have a contract make sure you're intimately familiar with it. If there isn't a clause that covers leaving before the duration is up, find a good contract lawyer to see if there's been any violations on your employer's part. I had a co-worker a few years ago do this, he is currently the only person in our company to successfully terminate employment without penalty/being fired.
2) Review vacation/time off policy. Earlier this year one of the people in my area quit, and ended up paying the company a fairly large sum due to having taken more vacation than he accrued.
3) Make sure if you are reaching out to headhunters/potential employers you are not using any of your current company's assets. I've seen that end badly as well.
4) Finally, from what you state it sounds like you were passed over due to having the wrong anatomy. I've seen multiple cases of this where I work. If your boss or those up the ladder in charge of promotions tend to be spineless (like my management team) I wouldn't even bother confronting them for an explanation. Quietly and slowly clear any personal effects from your work area, have termination notices printed (just need to fill in the date and sign), then continue on as usual at work while looking elsewhere outside of work hours. Depending on your employer's policy and where you are located, some places can fire you simply for looking into possible new employment.
While not in the exact same position as you, I'm in similar. I emphasize with you. Hang in there.
Question and Vent session for whoever is interested.
Back story, I have been working at the same Engineering firm for the past 10 years, with the exception of a seven month hiatus back in 2014. I have received outstanding yearly reviews every year that I have been with the company and I have been singled out for praise by more than one of our clients on numerous occasions.
With that said, I found out today that I was skipped over for a promotion to Project Scientist and that the spot was filled by a co-worker who has worked at our company for a shorter time and has a lot less experience then I do.
Needless to say; I was shocked, pissed, and pretty angry when I heard the news. To top it all off, I just had my yearly review this past Tuesday and in it, my boss dropped a hint that I would be getting the promotion.
I have no ill-will to the co-worker who received the promotion; I get along with her and the rest of the people I work with. However, she is a bit of a loud mouth and is constantly going on and on about "fairness" to woman in the workplace. She complains about everything, is the first to say "not me" when we are asked to volunteer or help out on an unfavorable project, and has driven someone to quit and look for another job.
I say all that to say, I am the complete opposite at work. I'm starting to think my easy going attitude and "no problem I'll help" approach to things is why I ultimately got overlooked for this promotion. A buddy of mine said the squeaky wheel always gets the oil and he ain't wrong.
Has something like this happened to any of you and how did you handle it? I'm not about to go all F*** you on my boss or anyone at work, but I'm genuinely pissed off about this. So much so that I left work early today and took a personal day tomorrow, something I never do.
Anyway any advice is welcome.
Do your outstanding reviews come with appropriate raises?
They may think you are a better fit where you are, but if thats true, the raises should tell you that (6-8%).
If not, they are blowing smoke, and that would make them a shitty company, and you should form an exit strategy.
Straight Shooter
10-25-18, 21:15
Bro- welcome to reality in 2018.
Experiance, loyalty, knowledge, length of service are all now just antiquated ways us old white boys did business in the past.
NOW, requirements are skin color, gender, minority status and in many places, political stance.
I am by far & away a minority at my work, and in almost 10 years there, have NEVER ONCE had a complaint against a black co-worker been dealt with in any manner. Matter of fact, Ive recently been "talked to" about "not getting along with people" and was told "I have a problem with diversity". I laughed in their faces, ' said diversity aint the problem, its the saggy pants, backward-hat-wearing parolee's their bringing in that wok one to three weeks then never come back.
Needles to say- that didnt help none.
the moment you said HER :)
unless you're a chick to :) but does not sound like it
The easiest way to get a raise is to change employers. Before you make a decision to do so, cool off a bit and do some research. Making a decision with a hot head can lead to regret.
If you do leave, don’t tell them why. It will only give them feedback on how to improve. A letter of resignation should only state that you are leaving. Never say what a good time you’ve had there or why you are leaving.
One other thought, do you think sugar tits will succeed at the job? If not, wait it out and be positioned to take it.
I know the feeling.
Several people have suggestions about a power-play to pressure the current employer to reward an ultimatum. What happens if you win this move? Not sure what your corporate culture is like but if they award a raise or promotion after being put on the spot, it might well be the last one there.
Before making demands, you should determine whether you will be content with that. It will take some time to see if it plays out that way. Time is valuable. Companies usually can expect to lose that individual shortly (few years or less) after such a resolution. I wouldn’t expect to be schmoozed a whole lot in that time. That only happens if the issue was truly and only the result of an oversight.
Start looking at what opportunities are open to your talent. Even if you stay where you are, assessing the market is healthy. The slow burn is not especially healthy.
You’ve been there for 10 years. Not common today. How recently have you updated your resume?
I stayed with a company for 16 years and could count on one hand the number of times I looked at mine. I figured if I was doing that, it was probably time to seriously consider leaving. A couple of years ago, it was time; and I did go. I work with better people now.
I think there are a couple things in play here. For one it may very well be that the higher ups wanted to put a woman in that spot to be more PC. The second thing is that nice guys really do finish last.
Personally I would change jobs. Based on my experience, the best way to advance in both position and pay is to change jobs.
titsonritz
10-25-18, 22:21
I've never regretted moving on.
Been passed over quite a few times and though I have tried to leave they promote when they know I am serious. Couple of things first is to take a deep breath, seriously. I have seen this as a test by higher ups. See how you react to disappointment. If you handle it well the next position is for you and may be much better.
Does she have connections you may not know about or do you have an enemy that may have blocked you? I have had both things happen.
Look for a job, go on some interviews but say nothing. Cities and industries are small and word gets around. If they want you they will retain you. Also, it may be a blessing in disguise. Some of the positions I really wanted but was denied of, if I had gotten any one of them I would not be in the spot I am today and making the money I make.
Also, how is your resume, training, certs? Are they up to date and have you demonstrated that you are actively working towards improvement. Stale training equals stale career.
Just some things to think about, but first take a deep breath.
FromMyColdDeadHand
10-26-18, 01:49
Get a LinkedIn account. Get contacts. Link up with people who have left and find out what head hunter they used. Link to the head hunters.
dwhitehorne
10-26-18, 03:27
the moment you said HER
I thought the exact same thing.
The easiest way to get a raise is to change employers. Before you make a decision to do so, cool off a bit and do some research.
If you have an engineering, math or science degree this has never been more true. The job market is on fire right now.
Polish your resume, renew networking contacts, put some feelers out and update your LinkedIn account.
If there are certifications, etc. that would significantly increase your marketability then complete them now.
Come to work dressed for an interview and take a few hours personal time in the middle of the day just to tweak your current management.
Even if the situation becomes unbearable, don't leave until you have an offer letter from your new job. It's just easier to find a job when you are working.
Andy
Thank you all for the advice. The main theme I noticed was leave. It’s crossed my mind a few times in the past year and I’m going to look into that option a little more seriously now.
I think there were multiple factors that lead to being overlooked and they were all touched on in the responses. Gender, spineless project manager, and I’m too helpful at work. I honestly think those are the three big reasons things played out how they did.
I saw it mentioned a few times I might be in a stagnant position, I think I’m finding out through this that might be true. Problem is, despite being overlooked for that promotion, I do make good money. But, I do want to advance so I’m going to have to think about my next move.
I don’t think talking to my boss will do anything. He’s a nice guy, but he isn’t going to rock to the boat. I’ll just get some generic “keep your head up, maybe next time” talk or worse I’ll catch him off his meds and get on his s*** list for the next few months.
I’m going to take my personal day today, let myself cool off and show up Monday with a smile and good attitude. From there I’m going to take a serious look at what the best move for me is going forward.
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That really stinks, best of luck!
I am a RN, and I lost out in a management job to a Latina who had less education and less experienced than I had. that was the beginning of the end of my time in the emergency department of a particular Hospital, when I knew what their agenda was I wanted no part of it. I never look back. I only say all of this to say sometimes Closing one door will open up another one.
Yes has happened to me too. At work and in life. Like you, I'm easy going, easy to get along with. I feel that my job is part of a family for lack of a better word. We're all together 5 days a week, 8+ hours a day. I come in early.... always. Right now it's 7:50am, I've been here since 7 and my work doesn't start until 9. I stay late, I volunteer and don't complain when im volunteered.
What I noticed is that if you do this long enough people take it as your SOP and expect that. I do 2hrs worth of work for free because it makes the rest of the day run smoother and with a little less stress and at the same time allows me to catch up on the news and screw around a little on the forums. My boss now takes this for granted and sometimes gets mad when I show up an hour late even though I'm technically an hour early and I still work for free.
It's similar with family. I have some relatives that were going on vacation and asked me to house sit their dog. I'm single, not tied down and had nothing going on at that time so I said sure. They asked the next year and I obliged...... along with helping here and there with other stuff. By the 3rd or 4th year I wasn't asked, I was told.
These things become expected. You're no longer doing a favor, you're doing something you'd normally do! And when someone else comes along who's never done this before and now does a favor it's locked upon as a good employee.
Nice guys do finish last. And while I still do a lot of my usual routine at work there's a lot of stuff I no longer do and will not.
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Not valued = leave. Don't make a big deal of it as you dont want to draw attentions to yourself and just start looking for another job. 10 years is too long to not be valued. You can get down and bitch about all of it (and you have every right to) but none of it matters or will help. Channel that energy into finding new gig. I see your on the east coast, all of VA, DC, MD are dying for good workers. We have such a worker shortage right now due to fed and local gov. There has not been a better time for you to make this move in the last 10 years. Now is the time to get on with the next stage of your life!
Kind of funny but true, I was a little under appreciated in my last role so I took a different position in the same company and my team hired four, yes four, people to replace me.
I guess my point is to reinforce that sometimes the job holds you back and it's time to bounce.
Andy
I’m updating my resume as we speak. I’m not a “look at me” kind of person, so keeping my head down while I search around to see if I can find something better won’t be hard at all. I do plan to ride things out through the winter though, I’m scheduled for some advanced drone training in February and I’m not missing out on that.
Thank you again to everyone for all the advice.
Rayrevolver
10-26-18, 09:12
As a former manager, promotions always piss people off.
Have you told your boss what your 5 year plan was? Does he/she know you want the position?
If a good worker doesn't mention they want to move up, and I have a decent worker who I know wants more responsibilities, then it might be an easy decision. The person looking for leadership gets a bump and I keep a good worker working.
I have lost great engineers who, if they would have spoken up, I might have done something else, but maybe not.
So yes, let your leadership know your desires, not saying be a squeaky wheel. This is supposed to be a topic at your reviews.
Discuss future plans, desires, goals, etc. Not everyone wants leadership positions and you can't expect your boss to read your mind.
Additionally, I have people with less experience who I would absolutely promote over folks with twice the years. Not everyone can be a rockstar, going from a single contributer to trying to herd cats is a different skill set.
Yes I have discussed the plan track I want to be on with my boss.
Yes, at my past two reviews I told my boss I was willing and wanting to take on more responsibility. I’ve gotten the more responsibility part in the last year by the way, but not the compensation that should have come with it.
I’m not looking to herd cats, I was and am looking to be appreciated and compensated for the work I do. This promotion would have told me my work was appreciated. I already have people answer to me btw, so it would have been nice to get the position bump and salary that should come with that.
I’m not a self promoter, probably a problem considering the topic. But I’ve always been one to let my work speak for me and I do good work.
I’ve been thinking hard about this since yesterday and I’ve come to the conclusion that, like others have mentioned about themselves; I’m my own worst enemy in that I do a good job, don’t complain, I am reliable, and my boss has come to take all the extra I put in as the norm for me.
I also think there was no small amount of political BS that went into being overlooked. It is what it is I guess, that’s the world we currently live in.
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Time to bounce
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In the US Air Force, way "back in the day", it was possible to retire after 20 years as an E-4 Buck Sergeant. You pretty much had to actively avoid promotion and keep a clean record. I knew two guys who did that. They didn't want the extra responsibility that came with rank (E-5 and up) and didn't want to supervise many folks. They just wanted to come to work, do their job, and go home and pop a beer.
Sounds odd to many folks, but they seemed happy enough. Did a good job as far as I can recall. So I guess there's a few folks (probably not many) who are content to remain at the bottom of the totem pole.
Question and Vent session for whoever is interested
Anyway any advice is welcome.
I worked for my dad since I was 12. He owned a company that manufactured equipment for offshore oil, defense, steel mills and mining industry. Over the years, I would receive consistent pay increases and even bonuses but never did I ever get promoted. Which is really what I wanted. My dad eventually allowed me to "run" the "spare parts team" which was basically finding obsolete parts and helping customers retrofit modern components with obsolete technology. One of the first jobs I did was converting the Ohio class submarine fleets steering cylinders with new modern designs. I then manufactured a complete set of catapults for 2 us aircraft carriers. I took my job seriously but I still got passed over. My dad eventually gave me 22.5% ownership in his company. Not bad for a company that has $100M+ sales a year. But what I wanted more, was to be a "C" level management. Why? Because my dad had all of his people from the 70's and 80's who thought our company was still in the early days and they didn't grow with the company. I knew that most of my dads management had tapped out on potential in the late 90's.
My dad always kept his people in there position for a number of reasons.
1: comfort: He didn't like change and he knew what to expect from these guys.
2. control: he knew how to motivate these people and he knew how to get them to do what he wanted
3. friendship: my dad had worked with these guys since 1976-1979, he felt loyal to them
4. money: he invested lots of money into these guys over the years, and didn't want to think of losing them
Sometimes, companies chose who rises up based on a lot of factors. Some times it doesn't have anything to do with talent, service or recognition.
Your company could have passed you over because they need you were you are. That is something to think about, they may not have a replacement for you. They could have chosen not to promote you because they cant afford to compensate you, or maybe they feel that your a fence straddler and you have other offers or perusing other outlets. Engineers are a dime a dozen, but finding one who is good at what they do is pretty hard.
I have no ill-will to the co-worker who received the promotion; I get along with her and the rest of the people I work with. However, she is a bit of a loud mouth and is constantly going on and on about "fairness" to woman in the workplace. She complains about everything, is the first to say "not me" when we are asked to volunteer or help out on an unfavorable project, and has driven someone to quit and look for another job.
Your answer is in this paragraph. It's easier to deal with a "pissed of you" even if you choose to leave, then it is a "feminist".
Time to find a new gig bro!
NYH1.
hotrodder636
10-27-18, 20:26
The last statment hits home for me. Not tooting my own horn but mynbmy boss had told me on more than one occasion that i am staying where I am because I am good at what I do and he (the company) needs to keep me there for success.
I worked for my dad since I was 12. He owned a company that manufactured equipment for offshore oil, defense, steel mills and mining industry. Over the years, I would receive consistent pay increases and even bonuses but never did I ever get promoted. Which is really what I wanted. My dad eventually allowed me to "run" the "spare parts team" which was basically finding obsolete parts and helping customers retrofit modern components with obsolete technology. One of the first jobs I did was converting the Ohio class submarine fleets steering cylinders with new modern designs. I then manufactured a complete set of catapults for 2 us aircraft carriers. I took my job seriously but I still got passed over. My dad eventually gave me 22.5% ownership in his company. Not bad for a company that has $100M+ sales a year. But what I wanted more, was to be a "C" level management. Why? Because my dad had all of his people from the 70's and 80's who thought our company was still in the early days and they didn't grow with the company. I knew that most of my dads management had tapped out on potential in the late 90's.
My dad always kept his people in there position for a number of reasons.
1: comfort: He didn't like change and he knew what to expect from these guys.
2. control: he knew how to motivate these people and he knew how to get them to do what he wanted
3. friendship: my dad had worked with these guys since 1976-1979, he felt loyal to them
4. money: he invested lots of money into these guys over the years, and didn't want to think of losing them
Sometimes, companies chose who rises up based on a lot of factors. Some times it doesn't have anything to do with talent, service or recognition.
Your company could have passed you over because they need you were you are. That is something to think about, they may not have a replacement for you. They could have chosen not to promote you because they cant afford to compensate you, or maybe they feel that your a fence straddler and you have other offers or perusing other outlets. Engineers are a dime a dozen, but finding one who is good at what they do is pretty hard.
The last statment hits hime for me. Not tooting my own horn but mynbmy boss had told me on more than one occasion that i am staying where I am because I am good at what I do and he (the company) needs to keep me there for success.
Ask them how successful they'll be when you're gone.
All BSing aside, companies I've worked for did better when they promoted qualified employee's from within. People seem to work better when they know there's room for advancement.
NYH1.
Ask them how successful they'll be when you're gone.
All BSing aside, companies I've worked for did better when they promoted qualified employee's from within. People seem to work better when they know there's room for advancement.
NYH1.
While I agree with the concept, its not always a good idea. A great engineer may have zero management skills. A department manager may not have skills needed to be an executive. Everyone peaks somewhere.
Should an enginner with 5 years under his belt and no management skills be promoted? No. Should he be fairly compensated and get raises for hard work? Yes.
The idea that people deserve promotions from time put in is narrow-sighted.
Moose-Knuckle
10-28-18, 03:28
Question and Vent session for whoever is interested.
Back story, I have been working at the same Engineering firm for the past 10 years, with the exception of a seven month hiatus back in 2014. I have received outstanding yearly reviews every year that I have been with the company and I have been singled out for praise by more than one of our clients on numerous occasions.
With that said, I found out today that I was skipped over for a promotion to Project Scientist and that the spot was filled by a co-worker who has worked at our company for a shorter time and has a lot less experience then I do.
Needless to say; I was shocked, pissed, and pretty angry when I heard the news. To top it all off, I just had my yearly review this past Tuesday and in it, my boss dropped a hint that I would be getting the promotion.
I have no ill-will to the co-worker who received the promotion; I get along with her and the rest of the people I work with. However, she is a bit of a loud mouth and is constantly going on and on about "fairness" to woman in the workplace. She complains about everything, is the first to say "not me" when we are asked to volunteer or help out on an unfavorable project, and has driven someone to quit and look for another job.
I say all that to say, I am the complete opposite at work. I'm starting to think my easy going attitude and "no problem I'll help" approach to things is why I ultimately got overlooked for this promotion. A buddy of mine said the squeaky wheel always gets the oil and he ain't wrong.
Has something like this happened to any of you and how did you handle it? I'm not about to go all F*** you on my boss or anyone at work, but I'm genuinely pissed off about this. So much so that I left work early today and took a personal day tomorrow, something I never do.
Anyway any advice is welcome.
Sounds like you are the victim of misandry. You got the wrong crotch luggage amigo, short of transitioning and identifying as a woman to upstage your 3rd-wave feminazi co-worker I'd say take the advice of the others and exit stage left as soon as you can without hurting yourself financially.
Ask them how successful they'll be when you're gone.
All BSing aside, companies I've worked for did better when they promoted qualified employee's from within. People seem to work better when they know there's room for advancement.
NYH1.
While I agree with the concept, its not always a good idea. A great engineer may have zero management skills. A department manager may not have skills needed to be an executive. Everyone peaks somewhere.
Should an enginner with 5 years under his belt and no management skills be promoted? No. Should he be fairly compensated and get raises for hard work? Yes.
The idea that people deserve promotions from time put in is narrow-sighted.
Right, that's why I said "qualified employee's from within".
NYH1.
Back story, I have been working at the same Engineering firm for the past 10 years, with the exception of a seven month hiatus back in 2014. I have received outstanding yearly reviews every year that I have been with the company and I have been singled out for praise by more than one of our clients on numerous occasions.
With that said, I found out today that I was skipped over for a promotion to Project Scientist and that the spot was filled by a co-worker who has worked at our company for a shorter time and has a lot less experience then I do.
This is typically the time to start looking for another job.
Either that, or buy a pair of kneepads.
Go to YouTube and look up “Jocko Good”
1. The best and brightest are not always the ones who get promoted.
2. Nobody survives a career with their professional virginity intact.
Regardless of profession, we will all get screwed. The power of the triangle matters more than merit.
Definitely make your decision in a calculating, logical manner. Attend the advanced training in Feb that you referenced. Seek new employment at a time that benefits you. The writing is on the wall. Don't spend another decade there
El Vaquero
10-28-18, 19:05
All good points brought up by others. I too have left jobs for better ones and have never regretted it. Sometimes getting passed over is the push you need to look elsewhere. There’s one thing I’ve learned though. Nice guys finish last. When it comes to management type positions it’s not always about knowledge and experience. It’s about manipulating. How well can you manipulate (aka spin the bullshit) to get people to work or win them over.
I was reminded of this myself recently when I was passed for promotion and they selected someone with literally half the knowledge and experience. What he was however, was twice the politician and salesman that I am. He played salesman and they overlooked his lack of experience etc. I was pissed, bummed, etc. Kept my head up and ended up getting promoted about six months later when another position came open.
So, should you stay or go? If you think there are other opportunities that may present themselves then maybe stay. If it’s stagnant then it’s time to hit the pavement. Like others have said. Go the head hunter route. Much less stressful.
hotrodder636
10-28-18, 19:30
Handful of posts on here derserve a thumbs up if that existed on here
These are things I've noted over the years. Some of it overlaps with Doc's thread and may not apply to your OP.
1)
Even if you do get recognized for working hard or you work at that rare company that recognizes it, the benefits rarely outweigh the rewards. Spend the extra time you save by training on their dime if possible and learning the things below.
2)
Most of the time an employer is only worried about what makes them money or costs them money, not who works hardest. Work smarter not harder.
3)
No one is your friend. Especially not your boss. Assume anyone could talk behind your back at any time and imagine what they could say. Backstabbers try hardest to befriend you as soon and often as possible. That's not an excuse not to network. Make sure a lot of people know who you are.
See #7.
4)
Assume your employer isn't completely honest. Good performance reviews don't always mean you're doing an awesome job. Sometimes they're just in place to keep employee morale up and satisfy you just enough to become complacent and not to seek other employment.
5)
Don't take slights or other's gains over you personally. You'll resent the person and the company which will make you miserable.
See #2 and #6.
6)
If you're ready to jump ship, have a solid backup plan and have a meeting with your manager. If they aren't receptive to your other offer, put in your two weeks and respectfully tell them you feel the other company and position are a better fit.*If you do get a better offer to stay and if you decide to stay, assume you're on borrowed time in the event they find a suitable replacement for less pay.
7)
Learn how to play the game. Politics suck, especially in the workplace, but it's a necessity today. Plan accordingly.
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