Would this make you mad? (Long)

[jwsqrdplus2]

I had a rough day at work yesterday, adn I am wondering if I am justified at being angry. Here goes:

I have been in a position at work, that due to certain policies would have made it difficult to get promoted from. When I was originally put in that position 2 years ago, it was no big deal, but over the last 6-8 months I have been asking my boss what was going to happen since I become eligible for a promotion in Dec of this year. I have done everything else (filled all my squares) needed for promotion. I was not expecting to be considered the day I was eligible, but I was hoping to remove any additional stumbling blocks for consideration in the near future. My boss assured me that he was asking the questions.

So yesterday, I find out from a worker bee in HR that the "proposed plan" to reslove my current situation is to move me into a position which will not even allow me to be considered for promotion at all!! I do not blame this worker bee at all. Believe it or not, my siituation came up in a casual conversation, and I asked her the question, and she answered it. After staying in the conversation for enough time to look like I wasn't bolting (felt like forever!), I excused myself, went and found my immediate boss, and told him what I had just heard. He knew NOTHING about it.

Fifteen minutes later, one of the senior bosses comes and asks me if I have a few minutes. He decides to give me career counselling right then which of course told me that he knew I found something out. Bottom line is that despite doing a good job, having outstanding evaluations, and never having gotten into serious trouble (I can be opinionated, and when asked for my opinion I will give it even if it is not popular; I try to be diplomatic and tactful, but am not always successful, but always remain respectful!), I was told 2 months before was eligible that I would not even be considered for promotion for another 3 years. Lots of blame being tossed around as to why that is happening, but not a single instance of poor job performance or behavior on my part. I don't get it! Is it not enough that you do your job well and bove expectations anymore? And if not, why wasn't I told before now that I wasn't on the right track?

Sorry for the long-winded vent, but I was wondering if I had a right to be mad at this point??

 

[kidzmom3]

I would say, that you have a right to be upset and mad because everyone has the right to their own feelings. As for a promotion, many things factor into that equation. Some people are not cut out to supervise others (I don't know you or your abilities so this is not a comment on you just in general) Some people are considered to be too young, to be promoted. Some bosses feel threatened and will block a promotion of someone they feel may overtake them. Some people are not considered "team" players because they have their own opinions and a life outside of work. Good luck, you are in a very tough position right now, because you probably do not have a lot of recourse. If a promotion opportunity comes up, do you apply for it in your company? (you have to in mine), if you do keep applying to let them know you think you are ready.

 

[mtemm]

personally I'd probably be looking for another job right about now, one that wouldn't pigeon hole you in so much.

My dh had a job once that he had a hard time getting out of. Usually the path in this company was to go from A to B to B2 to B3 to B4 to C. Well, instead he ended up managing A. A definite promotion, but essentially he did such a good job they didn't want to lose him in it. Finally he decided to start looking around and decided to completely change careers. Handed in his notice and everything. I think this time he even started at the new company for one day, possibly training. He got a phone call offering him B3 and weighed everything and decided to take it. Eventually how he got to C, too, was by leaving.

Now, I'm not saying this is a way to get your promotion. He was dead serious about leaving, this wasn't a bluff in a poker game to him. I've seen people do this and end up in a bad situation. But what I am saying is if there is no future, or your future is on some kind of indefinite hold, why stay? Why not start at least putting feelers out? Start thinking...who are their competitors? What career path do YOU want to make for yourself? Ask yourself that age-old question, where do I want to be in 5 years? Is this company helping you achieve your personal goals?

Its easier to find a job when you have a job. Employers LIKE to think they stole a great employee away from someone else. So take that anger you feel and put it to good use, but don't up and quit or stop performing or something like that.

Good luck!!! Sorry you are so stuck right now.

I wanted to add that my dh eventually did leave the company for good, and is on his second company since then. Every move we've made has been for the best. It seems like staying in a company these days is the kiss of death, both financially and career wise.