Manager basically said I don't have the 'commitment' for the role because I won't work past 5pm or take on extra projects that require travel. Meanwhile my colleague without kids is getting the spot. I'm trying not to be bitter but it stings. Feels like there's no winning sometimes.
That's rough, man. They basically penalized you for having priorities straight. You're being a good dad by setting those boundaries and that matters way more than climbing some ladder.
I'd be fired up about that too. You can't win at a game where the rules keep changing. Sounds like they want commitment to them, not commitment to doing good work in reasonable hours.
I'm sorry man, that stings. But honestly if a company doesn't value you having a life outside work then maybe it's not worth the promotion anyway. Your kids need you at 5pm.
This is exactly why I don't stress about climbing the ladder anymore. The promotion isn't worth missing bedtime every night. You're making the right call staying firm on your boundaries.
to join the conversation.
That's messed up. Plenty of successful people work reasonable hours and actually see their families. Sounds like your manager has outdated ideas about what commitment looks like.