I knew the chances of my getting promoted were slim given the fact I was just promoted two years ago and have only been with my agency five years. But my boss really, really wanted it to happen and was planning on making a strong case to the deciding commmittee, aka my boss and his 5 peers. We only have one shot at applying for promotion each year, and decisions are made by committee.
I didn't get the promotion. Since I knew the odds were slim, I'd prepared for this decision. But it was painful telling MH, my supervisor and the co-manager on my project. Especially my supervisor and co-manager. Both were shocked and more upset than me. I also saw my boss and had to talk with him about it and could tell he felt horribly. He said because we have so few slots this year, his peers made seniority a deciding factor and there wasn't anything he could do.
I think everyone knows now, so maybe we can forget about it until the next promotion cycle. Which, given the current budget situation, could be next year or the year after. Oh well.
Re: rough morning
Sorry about your morning! It's hard to not get your hopes up about this sort of thing, especially when it sounds like everyone you work with really values you and your work ethic. Hopefully by next year, everyone's budgets will be looking better!
Sorry you didn't get your promotion.
Are you in the GS system? Do you still have more steps available or are you at the top?
I'm sorry, that blows.
Nope, we are on our own pay plan. Steps only exist for people in their first two years of employment, when they are still "provisional" appointees. On the plus side, our performance pay is more generious and our raises are great when we get promotions. But, there are only 3 promotions before you reach Senior Executive Service, so they're hard to get.
I remember the first time I applied for a promotion and was up against a candidate who although she was no more qualified than I was, our boss showed a marked preference for. I knew she was going to get the job over me, but when I was told it still really stung. Telling MH and my best friend and my mom was so hard.
I feel your pain, and I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through this. I'm sure you would have been an excellent choice, hopefully the next time an opportunity comes around, it will be an even better one.