Have you ever had a promotion? Just curious.

I've been working in this field for 10 years. Last month I got my first promotion from ID to Sr. ID, and I have to tell you, none of my duties have changed. I'm pretty sure they just did it because it was the only way to give me a raise.

I've been ready to step into a leadership role for a very long time. I'm 48 years old, I have a master's in education and post graduate work in instructional design. I have a PMP certification. I have leadership experience from outside service projects.

Everywhere I've worked has really lacked hierarchy for anyone to move up (I work in higher ed), and when these sorts of positions do open up I feel like members of the boys club are chosen to step in. Is this common? Am I holding myself back because I'm awkward and terrible at networking? Am I too old at this point and I should just resign myself to working as the cog in the machine of a university business office?

Sorry, this turned into a rant. But I'll take advice if you promise to be nice to me during my identity crisis!