LPT: Job security is a two-edged sword; if you are irreplaceable, you are also unpromotable.

Good job on your professionalism and good luck at your future endeavors.

A similar but opposite event happened at my company recently and now me and my previous partner in crime (S) aren't friends anymore. S helped hire me to the company 2 1/2 years ago. I have had several promotions since, and about a month ago I was officially promoted over her. This position was initially offered to both of us about a year ago. She turned it down because she made clear she didn't want the additional responsibility, while I turned it down initially because I didn't feel like I was professionally ready to handle the position or being her boss. I made that clear to our boss, and I recently rescinded that statement and told him I was ready for new responsibilities. Regardless of our previously shared title, he (and other members of our office) had already been coming to me as the leader division anyways as I was easier to work with (their words not mine) and S didn't want to have to interact with anyone else … clients or coworkers (her words, not mine)

Since the promotion S has been rude and unprofessional toward me. I've tried to talk to her multiple times but she won't take me up on the offer. She intentionally leaves me out of things that we used to do together, and she makes harsh remarks under her breath to questions I ask regarding our work tasks. I feel hurt both because S has challenged my character (professionally and personally), and because her attitude has severely tainted my view on her character.

I obviously know little about your specific situation, but I think its really great that you were able to see that this company was no longer working for you. Regardless of why the position was offered to your friend over you there is something to be learned about it. You don't have to live by 'what is best for the company' and you always have the opportunity to find a new company that will allow you to grow into a position that is right for you. On top of that, it says so much of you to share a happiness for your friends success and allow yourself to continue this friendship. I wish my coworker and I could find the same peace.

/r/LifeProTips Thread Parent