Angry, getting passed over for a promotion

[sanpet]

I have been bustin' my rear for months for my employer trying to be the best employee I can be and really help him out.  Today I found out they were hiring a new position and that person will be the senior admin.  I asked, am I eligible to apply and was told, no they want some one new, and I do such a good job in my current position, it would be a mistake for the company to move me.  Really?

For the past 6 months I have praised for stepping up, helping out, doing a great job.  So I will continue to do my job, which probably wont change, but watch someone come in and make.. $15,000 a year more than I for doing the same thing just with the "title."  I am so angry today.   

I think it is time to look for a new job, one that with my 20 years of experience and great reviews pays at least at the medium level for the position, not below the bottom average. 

Hindsight, feeling comfortable wont get you anywhere.

[Atlanta Z3]

What is that saying: no good deed goes unpunished.  I'm really sorry this is happening to you.  It's the curse of being a great admin, employers don't want to rock their boat.  Many years ago, I was in the a similar position covering for  a maternity leave and pregnancy brain before that.  When the time came did I get offered the position? No!  That was my cue to move out and up.  Good luck in the job search if that is the direction you take.

[claudiamag]

Oh Sanpet, I am so sorry this happened to you. Let me share with you two stories from different sides.

Many, many moons ago I was in a similar position.  Worked countless hours, weekends, went above and beyond and they by pure chance found out they were bringing in someone at a higher level pay.  I was so upset.  The other execs told main boss that this was wrong but he had made up his mind.  I left a month later and went to work in a temp position which eventually turned into a permanent job at the best company I've ever work for.  Three months later I got a call from the main boss at the first company asking me if I would be interested in coming back. I decline his offer.

On a different note, I was hired at my current job at a higher level than the existing three admins.  I believe at least one of them was interested in the position and got passed over.  At first I thought it was awful for her but after a while I think we both understood it would not have been a good fit for her.  The job is very analytical and I am under a lot of pressure constantly.  She doesn't work well under these conditions.  She stresses out just as an onlooker  .  Ultimately she was happy she got passed over and after a while she found another position at the same company she is much happier in.

Good luck with what ever you decide to do.