I interviewed for a newly created position at my job and in the end I was told, I was their next choice, the company is so lucky to have me, how talented I was but, I didn't get the position this time and to please apply the next time and job shadow in other departments for an edge in getting it next time. This new position was partially created for the ability to have upward mobility in areas of the company, specifically my department as it's a dead end ultimately.
I met someone new from the company in person, (I'm fully remote so I don't know people outside of my department well). Within the first 15 minutes of meeting this person she spilled exactly what I was told about the position word for word, that she was their next choice and to job shadow diffrent departments ect.
While I am over qualified for my current position and am a top performer; it's pretty clear they are telling multiple people that as a retention practice to keep people on the hook for at least another 6-9 months (or longer, it hasn't been strictly specified when it will open again), to help with the horrible turnover rate of the company.
I'm taking classes for some career certificates now, so I can more easily transition to another wfm job at a higher level and better pay. I should have it done in six months if I put in 20 hours a week. Morale of the story: don't trust that a new position or promotion will actually happen until has already occurred. And screw my current company.