Tough work situation (applying, collect, analysis, degree)

[defiance]

This is kinda long story, but here goes---

I work for a telecom company. 6-1/2 years now, total. I started in tech support with no degree (though I immediately started the process of getting one). Worked there for two years, (one as a team lead), then moved to our number porting group and worked as a consultant. After a few months there, the group's staff manager told me he was adding an analyst position, and had me start doing the actual work of an analyst (which I loved, so cool with me). Unfortunately, the position never materialized, and I admit I felt a good bit of angst about that. I finally gave up and started applying for other analyst positions in the company. Also, it's worth noting that I did a project that really impressed a Staff manager of Marketing Analysis (important later). So, at 3-1/2 years tenure, I moved into one with revenue assurance. Another project came in contact with the staff manager I mentioned before, and 9 months later he asked me to come to his group - he was being promoted to director and leading marketing analytics. So I took it, and became a Sr. Analyst. After a few months, the group expanded (lots of successful initiatives), and a staff manager position was added between myself and the director. Which was fine, given the level of expansion. Also about that time my degree was completed.

Now, fast-forward to September, where it gets a bit interesting. The staff manager who was hired back then is moving on to a different group, so naturally I put in for the promotion. The director calls me in and tells me that I'm probably the most capable applicant he has, but that I'm not qualified on paper, so there's no way he could get the promotion approved. Basically, the reason is that HR will only approve multi-level promotions in rare, extreme cases, and Staff manager is two 'tiers' up from me. But, that there were things in the near future coming which would mean opportunities for me. Cool with me, I knew it was a long shot, but it can't hurt to try.

So in November, we have another chat (again, initiated by him), and he tells me about a coming restructure that will positively impact our team. We'd already split into two sections, but now we were expanding to three, and he'd like me to manage the third. Since it was being created, he was going to structure the manager as a standard manager instead of staff manager so that I'd be eligible. I was elated, of course, that's great news! Of course, none of this is final, etc.etc.

So a month goes by and he calls me in to explain that HR is dragging their feet on my approval, and that he's working on it, just to be patient. Ok with me.

A few weeks later the staff manager posts a new position that would be a 1-level promotion for me in a role that I could absolutely rule. I actually taught him a lot of what he's using there, and he's told me several times things like "Well, I agreed not to recruit you when I left your group, but if you ever figure out cloning, give me a call!" But honestly, I think the director makes a better boss, and I love this team. So, rather than apply for it, I sit down with the director and ask for an honest evaluation of the chances of this all working out. I explain that I saw the other guy's job posting, and that I'd love that job, but that I'd prefer to take the promotion here as long as it materializes. I also tell him the story about the analyst position that never materialized before, just to give him context on why this "new position" thing made me a bit nervous.

Then two weeks ago, he calls me in to explain that HR adamantly refuses to allow the promotion because I'm "not qualified". He goes on to explain that they claim I don't have enough experience. Keep in mind, I'm just over 6 years in the company at this point, and the experience requirement HR lists for that level is a degree and "4-6 years" of "professional level experience". He doesn't know details, and/or seems like there are some things he wants to say but can't. From what I can tell, it looks like they're not counting some of my experience *at this company* because it's call center experience. He does say that he's still working on it, but wanted to give me an update given the announcements that are about to be made. He also mentions that he's going to at least have my reporting structure changed so that I report directly to him. He's visibly angry about it, and there's not much to really say, so I just told him, "I understand - don't say anything you're not supposed to. I'm obviously disappointed that HR would take such a hard line stance, but things happen." And I go get back to work.

So obviously, I'm pretty upset about this. I've kept a good attitude at work, and kept up my work quality, but I'm having to go to great lengths to find the motivation I've had up to this point.

The announcements come through the next day, which are a promotion of another analyst on my team to manager (he and I were both supposed to be promoted, and the director had held off his promotion for over a month so that we could be announced simultaneously, so I agree 100% with going ahead with that. The guy deserves it) - and the director being promoted in-place to VP.

So yesterday I had a jaw-cramp situation when in our team meeting we're all introducing ourselves to some new members (other changes from the restructuring) and the director (now vp) states something to the effect of the team growth providing all of us with opportunities for growth.
I really enjoy having this guy for a boss, usually. I mean seriously, he's brilliant, and a great guy. But that just ticked me off. I'm proud of myself for gritting my teeth and staring out the window for a moment to collect myself, then being just as positive as usual when my turn to introduce myself came.

I guess really I'm just venting. I know what I'm going to do; I'll keep an eye out for new postings and NOT SKIP them next time (the one mentioned above is long gone), I'll actually start looking at other companies as well, and I'll continue my postivie attitude and performance.

It's just so frustrating to have passed up a good opportunity AGAIN for a fictional pot o' gold.

[bibit612]

Originally Posted by defiance

I guess really I'm just venting. I know what I'm going to do; I'll keep an eye out for new postings and NOT SKIP them next time (the one mentioned above is long gone), I'll actually start looking at other companies as well, and I'll continue my postivie attitude and performance.

I think I know which company you work for, just not the region where you are. Take your skills to the competitor. You have not been appreciated so far and the corporate culture appears to be that way.

[Radek]

Originally Posted by bibit612

I think I know which company you work for, just not the region where you are. Take your skills to the competitor. You have not been appreciated so far and the corporate culture appears to be that way.

I have no clue where you work, but you might try to leverage a promotion next time.

Especially since your boss is now a VP, he should have more pull with HR.

Sometimes something has to go missing, for people to realize they needed or wanted it.

Thats a tough break though, and kudos for sticking with it, not blowing up, etc. I've been in a similar situation where I was in line for a promotion to team lead, and someone else walked onto the job and got the spot.


In the long run, I'm glad I didn't have to manage that group, because I don't know if I could've done it. But, the feeling at the time was exactly the same.

You sound like you've been honest with your boss, and so I'd just continue to be so. Say, "Look, I've been here for 6 years now. I have a lot of experience, I'm qualified for this job, and I keep getting passed up. I appreciate working for and with you, and appreciate the effort you put forth to get me promoted. But, if it can't happen, I can't sit here and tread water."

Or, whatever words work best for you.