Step Forward. Step Back. →[More:] Yeah, yeah, yeah, that whole promotion thing.

I think I'm in... in terms of being part of the "in-crowd" of management. The last few weeks have been mind-numbingly busy and I've had a lot of exposure to the management chain here at work, pretty much as a peer, not an underling. It feels like I belong.

However, a remark was made that the position I applied for has been put on hold for the time being.

That means two things to me: I have a little time to see if I can establish my certifications a bit before the selection process resumes; and I need to continue to work my ass off for The Man hoping that it earns me the job when the position really becomes available. I have a chance to show why I am the person to fill this position and I need to make good on it.

Even if I don't get the job or it gets delayed for an extended period, it's been kind of a heady atmosphere for me. In most of the meetings I've attended lately, I've been the lowest-ranking person, yet I've gotten a pretty decent level of respect. Several references have been made to the job I've been doing lately, with people saying that all the other major departments should model what our area has been doing.

The backdrop, though, is that the governmental sequestration will affect our company, so ironically, I think it's just as likely I'll be laid off as promoted in the coming year.

And somehow... that's okay. The work has been rewarding lately, and I'm trying not to worry about the downside. I'm gonna succeed, dammit.