Oh no, that gossip is unpleasant. It's possible that the VP really *does* want things to be open and fair... and that the VP wants *you* in the role, just like the retiring manager does.

You are right, though, we shouldn't let our work be our life. It's not healthy or good. The companies we work for are, from what I have seen, often incredibly dysfunctional. It amazes me sometimes that we get anything accomplished, that anything works. The world is a much bigger place than your organization. Maybe your view of the world has been limited to your job, but it doesn't have to stay that way.

You sound like you are in a dark place right now or that you were when you posted that. I'm glad you can be honest with your brother. Do you have someone you can talk to if you keep having those feelings, like this is it? Of all the options you have, quit quitting doesn't sound like the best or even in the top ten. You might get this promotion. You might not. The person who does get it might not be able to do it. You might get an even better promotion. You might get recruited by another company if you put your name out there. Maybe your retiring manager will pick up a consulting gig and find the perfect spot for you. You could take the next six months to save money and quit or take a leave of absence to do some traveling or something you've always wanted to do...

I have trouble keeping stuff like this in perspective, probably because I am depressed and can tend to be paranoid/think the worst. In August I was positive that I would lose my contract gig by the end of October. A friend of mine pointed out that I have those kinds of thoughts on a pretty regular basis and they don't actually come to pass. Do you think you might do something similar?

Even with this update, I still think you stand a good chance of getting this. I am picturing AVP deciding she wants so and so in the role before she posts the job, and then her jaw dropping when she realizes that it isn't going to happen now that you've applied.

I mistakenly thought the AVP and retiring manager were the same person earlier, sorry about that.