The Promotion I Almost Didn't Apply For

A story about overcoming disappointment, self-doubt and taking a second chance.

Every career has moments that define it.

Mine began with a disappointment.

In 2019, I was appointed Acting Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Manager.

It was a significant opportunity and the biggest leadership responsibility I had undertaken at that point in my career.

For six months, I led the SHE function, supporting operational teams, managing priorities and experiencing first-hand what it meant to lead in a complex mining environment.

Following the acting appointment, I completed another six months on probation.

Altogether, I spent nearly a year performing the responsibilities of the role.

When the final decision was made, I was not confirmed as the Manager.

It was one of the most difficult moments of my professional life.

More Than Professional Disappointment

The disappointment wasn't only personal.

It was public.

Some people questioned my capability.

Others made comments that were discouraging.

After spending a year in the role, returning to my previous position wasn't easy.

For a short time, I wondered whether perhaps they were right.

But I also realised something important.

I could not allow other people's opinions to determine the direction of my career.

Instead of focusing on criticism, I focused on improvement.

I continued learning.

I continued delivering results.

I continued investing in myself.

A New Opportunity

Soon afterwards, I was promoted from Specialist Health and Hygiene to Superintendent Health, Hygiene and Safety.

Although I remained in that position for only three months, it reminded me that my career was still progressing.

Then, in January 2021, the SHE Manager position was advertised again.

Initially, I decided not to apply.

The disappointment from the previous year was still fresh.

I questioned whether I wanted to experience that process again.

Days passed.

The application deadline approached.

At the last minute, I changed my mind because of my husband encouragement.

I submitted my application.

In February 2021, I was appointed Manager – Safety, Health and Environment.

That single decision changed the course of my career.

What I Learned

Looking back, I no longer see the previous year as a failure.

I see it as preparation.

The acting role taught me how to lead.

The probation period strengthened my resilience.

The disappointment tested my character.

Applying again required courage.

Every part of that journey helped prepare me for the opportunity I eventually received.

Today, when I mentor young professionals, I often tell them:

Don't allow one setback to become your final decision.

Sometimes the opportunity that changes your life is the one you almost don't pursue.

Final Reflection

Success is rarely a straight line.

There will be setbacks.

There will be disappointment.

There will be moments when you question yourself.

Those moments do not define your future.

What defines your future is what you choose to do next.

For me, the most important career decision I ever made wasn't accepting a promotion.

It was finding the courage to apply for it again.

Your next opportunity may be waiting on the other side of the application you almost didn't submit.