My boss left our company in May 2024 and I was the most senior person reporting into her so I assumed I would be promoted to take her position.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 4:53PM UTC

   Management and leading people is never about how much money you make versus others. Promotions in general do not go to the next in line of seniority. Those days are bygones of several decades ago.

   If you are not content in your role and you are wanting to advance, you will need to tell your manager your goals and ask for their help or guidance, then put in the work to get to that next level or role.

   If you are happy with your role and the money, why look for something else?

   If you believe the promotions should go to those with seniority you may need to look long and hard for a company that continues that type of loyalty and advancement over the current merit and skill based processes most companies embrace.

2. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 6:03PM UTC

   Completely agree. Promotions never go to the most senior person, they go to the person who has shown they’re already doing the job. You need to step up your skills/responsibilities before the promotion, not after.

3. AnonymousJanuary 7,2025 at 2:40PM UTC

   I'm not the Original Poster. But I disagree. I have been at jobs were employees have taken on more work and are capable of excelling in the next leadership role and often the role will go to someone else instead. It baffles me to this day. Usually, the person selected is not going above and beyond. I miss the days were doing ones job and excelling were true attributes. My advice to the original poster, is evaluate whether or not you let them know you had interest. If you did and they did not take that under consideration, then decide if you currently like your job and the role that you play there. If the answer is that you would like to have a more advanced role. Start preparing yourself for better opportunities elsewhere.

4. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 5:32PM UTC

   It depends. If you like your company and the job, then have a conversation to understand the new org structure. If you can’t get over the fact that another person is now taking over the team, then slowly start to look for a new job seems fair.

5. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 5:50PM UTC

   If you were both senior managers, and you knew your boss was leaving, it would have been a good idea to have talked with the leadership about your interest. I don’t find it odd they promoted someone else. As they may have indicated interest. And positioned themselves by taking on more work or telling leadership they wanted their hat in the ring. As another poster mentioned, discuss with your management how or what you need to rise or if that’s not comfy maybe it’s a sign to move on.

6. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 7:05PM UTC

   Agreed here and with the post above regarding not making assumptions. If you are happy here and potentially still see yourself moving up the ladder, then take some time to put a plan together for your management team. Self promote, tell them what you can bring to the table and clearly state your interest. You got this! Time to toot your own horn. Good luck.

7. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 5:52PM UTC

   You should never assume anything when it comes to leadership. They didn't pick you for a reason.

8. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 6:41PM UTC

   I think you should reconsider your career path at the company. If he's being groomed (which appears to be the case), you need to address your career development with leadership.

   If career progression is something you hold as a priority, then I would have to have that discussion asap. When you consider your salary level and lack of clarity on a higher position, I would cover your bases and consider the possibility that you are a safety net while this person is getting up to speed.

   So use the time you have to gain clarity but to also prepare your next move and start networking.

9. Naomi Is KingJanuary 5,2025 at 6:59PM UTC

   Absolutely start looking elsewhere. Take this as a lesson in your next position, unless you express or show interest in a more senior or management position, never assume you are next in line or should automatically be promoted to that empty position. Assert your interest in that role and put in the effort in showing your interest in advancement, otherwise assumptions are where goals/dreams go to die.

10. AnonymousJanuary 5,2025 at 9:48PM UTC

    Question: what specifically made you assume you would be promoted to this role? Did someone tell you that? Do you have the necessary experience for the role? Did you ask why the other person and not you was promoted to the role? How long has the other individual been with the company? What's their background (not just with this company but prior)?

11. AnonymousJanuary 6,2025 at 9:25PM UTC

    Never assume you are owed a vacant role. Also, why do you know how much money they make at this point? Again, ask what your opportunities are to become prepared for this role. Look at it as a chance to grow, and maybe start looking for another opportunity as if you aren't aligned with new leadership it will show.

12. AnonymousJanuary 8,2025 at 3:35PM UTC

    It's a shift for sure. Do some evaluating. There is a shift in the workplace away from certain hierarchies. Sounds like you may be more of an Independent contributor. If you're getting paid a decent amount and don't have to manage folks or deal with middle management tasks, this may actually be a good thing. I'd say stick with it and review/use all the company benefits available to you (esp. professional development).

    And , yes, to be on the safe side, you may want to watch yourself for a year. With the change in dynamics, you may be on a chopping block. If you go through your next annual review and all is well, then that's how the company sees you. You can discuss potential for promotion, see what they say, but in this day and age people tend to leave to get promoted.

    If you liked your former boss, check in with them soon. Or see on LinkedIn - did they get a better job?

    Good luck!