Border Patrol Stories
Promotion Offered, Psych!
Years ago, I had been given an informal offer to promote within my work center. There were two of us assigned, with one vacancy. I was set to be promoted to the vacant position.
When given the informal offer, I naturally accepted. Like any promotion, it promised a pay raise, stability for my family, and recognition from the Patrol for my good work. It was a win-win-win situation!
However, it turned out that another employee was returning to the Patrol from an external assignment and needed a position. The higher-ups noticed the vacancy – the very same one for which I had just received the informal offer. They decided to place the returning employee in that vacancy, effectively nullifying my promotion, all without informing me.
The next day, my boss asked to see me in an empty conference room. I thought I must have made a serious mistake, even though I couldn't think of anything I had done wrong.
My boss said, "You know that promotion you were offered? Well, they're not going to give it to you. Mike is going to transfer laterally into the position. I'm really sorry."
I responded, "You know I'm calling in sick tomorrow, right?"
When given the informal offer, I naturally accepted. Like any promotion, it promised a pay raise, stability for my family, and recognition from the Patrol for my good work. It was a win-win-win situation!
However, it turned out that another employee was returning to the Patrol from an external assignment and needed a position. The higher-ups noticed the vacancy – the very same one for which I had just received the informal offer. They decided to place the returning employee in that vacancy, effectively nullifying my promotion, all without informing me.
The next day, my boss asked to see me in an empty conference room. I thought I must have made a serious mistake, even though I couldn't think of anything I had done wrong.
My boss said, "You know that promotion you were offered? Well, they're not going to give it to you. Mike is going to transfer laterally into the position. I'm really sorry."
I responded, "You know I'm calling in sick tomorrow, right?"
Promotion Offered, Psych!
DISCLAIMER: The views and experiences shared in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HonorFirst.com, the U.S. Border Patrol, or any government agency. These stories are presented for historical and cultural insight and have been submitted by current or former Border Patrol employees with minimal editing for clarity.
