passed over...even though I was the committee's choice

[Anonymous]

I just got passed over for a promotion; the position went to an outside hire. The thing is--the internal committee picked me for the position, but the director intervened and chose an outside hire who is well qualified, but known to be a close friend of the director's. I love my job and have spent the past few years building the department, and in this environment, it is difficult to find another position in a specialized field. But it hurts to effectively be demoted and have the leadership position of a department I built go to someone else in this fashion. (Company offered me a 1 year bonus if I stay on, recognizing the issue). What would you do in this situation?

[Anonymous]

Take the bonus and look for another job.

[Anonymous]

Appalling. Take the money and start looking ASAP. F them.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, OP. Can you move elsewhere within the same company, to lead or build a different department? That might be a compromise between quitting and staying.

Otherwise, start looking immediately. Don't let the bonus keep you from leaving if you find something before a year is up.

As far as your interactions with the new guy, be professional but don't "save him" if he screws up. And personally I would decline to do any recruiting, since I could not honestly say that this company helps people grow their careers.

[Anonymous]

Time to start looking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take the bonus and look for another job.

This. And do not spend the bonus, in case they insist you repay if leave for another job in less than time specified.