Stealing a Job...

[cooliemae]

A co-worker of mine has been in a position at work for about 6 years or so. Over that time the position was reclassified at a higher level of pay, but due to the hiring regs, he can't just be given the higher pay level. So the problem has always been that in order for him to get the higher level of pay he would have to compete for the higher pay and risk losing the job he currently has (can't have two people doing the same job).

Recently he was offered a pay level about half-way between where he currently is and the higher one that his position might/should be paid, however the catch was that if he didn't take the new pay level then he would have to compete for the higher one. In other words, he could take the compromise or his current position would be eliminated in favor of the new one.

He turned them down, don't ask me why, and they have started the process of hiring for his job. I'm more qualified for the position (at least in theory), it would be a promotion for me with better hours. I think I would have a really good chance of getting the position, but that would mean my co-worker is out of a job.

I don't want to see him go, but at the same time I would like the promotion and hours and he did reject the compromised pay level. Should I fret over this or just for the promotion?

[marvholly]

You are NOT stealing the job.

Your co-worker has already given it upo by rejecting both the opportunity to apply AND the compromise position. S/He is is either at a dead end or already GONE!!

Go for it. Your first priority HAS to be for your financial & personal/family welfare.

[creditcardfree]

Yes, go for it. If you don't apply someone else will and they will have the job you want. It is your right to apply.

[bjl584]

Go for it. It's nothing personal. Just business.