TL Application Dismissed

Long story short, have had multiple ETL’s over the course of my employment for my department say I would be a great TL and they wanted to develop me. Have also had other TMs and TLs in mine and other departments ask when I’d be moving up and saying I’d be great as a TL.

So I do the work, take initiative, go above and beyond to be seen by my team as capable. TL position becomes available and I mention to my ETL that I’m interested and they’re excited. Then go and mention it to my SD as well, and they’re surprised I’m interested…. Weird that after all this time they have no clue, so my TLs and ETLs in the past haven’t mentioned it to them, oh well- I’m gonna show the SD that I’m serious and want to do this.

Have my first interview with two ETLs and feel really good about it. Maybe two weeks later my ETL comes up to me and says “There’s been too many applicants, so not everyone is getting a second interview and will not be chosen. You are one of those applicants… BUT we still want to develop you :)”

… the only reason I was interested in moving up was for that pay raise and to enhance my repertoire for future chances.

This is very disheartening and with the way my store has been falling apart and holidays coming up… I’m not excited.

Was thinking about getting a different job before hand but wanted to stick it out for the position

What would you do?