I recently applied for a management position with my current employer (government). I have been with this organization for over 10 years, and I am effectively at the top of operational employment. The reality is I have no more positions to strive for (I've achieved effectively everything one can) or opportunities outside of management. I was looking (really relying) to this managerial opportunity for (if anything) a change of pace. I fully realize that it might not have been for me, but this was an "out" for at least a while to try something new. I would have had the opportunity to return to my previous duties should I not have liked the management position.
They chose multiple people, and I wasn't one of them. I took it pretty hard. All of my colleagues figured I had this in the bag. I generally get along with management (though my record isn't stellar, most peoples aren't), and have been requested multiple times to do "specialized duties"/managerial type gigs over the last couple of years. I have requested feedback, and have yet to have anyone contact me.
I'm in my mid-30's, and really this is the first time I have been unsuccessful at something I wanted in my career (well, not without me realizing/knowing what I did wrong). I know some of you are probably thinking "boo hoo", but for me it has hit a bit hard.
I'm just wondering what coping strategies you have used to deal with professional/career disappointments. If you would like to share an example, that would be appreciated.
And yes, for those wondering, I still have my job and nothing has changed otherwise with my employer.
They chose multiple people, and I wasn't one of them. I took it pretty hard. All of my colleagues figured I had this in the bag. I generally get along with management (though my record isn't stellar, most peoples aren't), and have been requested multiple times to do "specialized duties"/managerial type gigs over the last couple of years. I have requested feedback, and have yet to have anyone contact me.
I'm in my mid-30's, and really this is the first time I have been unsuccessful at something I wanted in my career (well, not without me realizing/knowing what I did wrong). I know some of you are probably thinking "boo hoo", but for me it has hit a bit hard.
I'm just wondering what coping strategies you have used to deal with professional/career disappointments. If you would like to share an example, that would be appreciated.
And yes, for those wondering, I still have my job and nothing has changed otherwise with my employer.