Mainly posting to get this off my chest as I can't vent to anyone at work.
I've been in my current role for almost 1.5 yrs and have been working my ass off. There is a major learning curve to this particular role, so it typically takes anywhere from 6- 8 months to get ramped. Recently it was announced that someone on my team would be transitioning to another team within the company, so we would be hiring for a backfill for that person. After the job was posted, a colleague from the company I was with before this one reached out on LinkedIn to say that they'd applied for the role and asked about the team/ company. I thoroughly sold them on both, as well as put in a good word for them with the hiring manager. Half-way through their interview process, however, the job posting was suddenly upgraded to a senior-level position. When I inquired why, it was explained that there was a “business need” for a senior-level role on the team and that they were looking for someone with more experience.
Could I stick it out and see if I get promoted to senior in the next review cycle? Sure. But I have lost all motivation to do so. So while I am training my former peer, who is now making more money than me and will not be ramped into the role for several months, I will be looking for another job 🙂