So, you didnt get the promotion you wanted  Now what

So, you didnt get the vorrcken you wanted Now whatSo, you didnt get the aufsteigen you wanted Now whatYoure in the running for apromotionat work and are feeling optimistic about your chance to climb one rung higher on the proverbial ladder.That hope makes the eventual bad news that much mora brutal to swallow Youdidnt get it. Youre being passed up. Theyre going with someone else.Did your stomach just drop into your shoes at the very thought? I get it. Not landing a promotion - particularly one that you know youre deserving of - is gut-wrenching at best.And, after that initial wave of disappointment has washed over you and youre trying to return to business as usual, youre left with this lingering questionNow what?You dont want this rejection to mean a step backwards, so how do you keep moving forward?Lets dig into five steps you should take after you find out that you didnt score that promotion at work.1. Take Some Time to WallowFirst things first, lets go back to that inevitable s ense of disappointment for a moment. While Im certainly not giving you permission to nosedive into your despair, youre still allowed to be bummed about this news. You dont have to immediately paste on a smile and pretend that youre happy this happened.Give yourself an evening - yes,onlyone evening - to wallow in your own self pity. Indulge in your favorite sweets or cocktails. Complain to your friends. Just generally feel bad about your own misfortune.But, when you return to the office in the morning? Be prepared to be your normal, professional, and polished self.Disappointment over not getting a promotion is normal, however its a wise move to keep your venting and complaining far away from the office and outside of your normal working hours. And, one more thing Resist the overwhelming temptation to gossip about whoever did land the position. Its never worth the potential fallout.2. Ask For FeedbackAlright, you took your moment and now youre feeling ready to face the music. Despit e the fact thatrejectioncan be brutal, it can also be enlightening. So, its worth approaching the people who were involved in the selection process to get their feedback.Where did you fall short? Are there certain things you should be working on or focusing on? What strengths did they think you brought to the table?Get their insights - both good and bad - on your candidacy. Thatvaluable feedbackwill serve you well as you continue to hash out a plan for advancing in your career.Despite the fact that rejection can be brutal, it can also be enlightening.3. Reassess What You Really WantTheres nothing like a little self-reflection to give you some much-needed perspective. Now that you know for certain that advancement opportunity isnt yours, take a step back and think about why you went for it in the first place.Did you toss your hat into the ring just because you felt like you should - like missing out would only make you look like an uncommitted slacker? Or, did you go for it becaus e you know youre ready for the next step in your career?Even further, where do you see your career headed in the next year or so? What are your goals? What do you want to do more of? What do you want to do less of?Figuring out exactly what you want is essential for determining what direction you want to head in next - whether its with your current company or a new one. And, as sad as it seems, theres really no better time to get some clarity on yourcareer goalsthan after a setback like this one.4. Have a Candid Conversation With Your ManagerWith your areas of improvement and newly-established career goals in hand, its time to have a frank conversation with your manager. I know this is nerve-wracking (been there, done that), but its important to realize that this career growth conversation is a completely normal - and even healthy - one to have with your boss.Explain clearly to your supervisor what else youre hoping to get out of your career. Even if its not a formal promotion, do you want toOwn more challenging projects?Have the opportunity to do more public speaking and represent your company?Work more cross-functionally with a different department?Access educational opportunities to build some of those skills you need to improve upon?Outline a clear plan to put you on the path for advancement within your organization?There are tons of ways to progress in your career that dont involve a fancy new job title. And, agood bosswill not only be open to hearing these things from you, but theyll actually collaborate with you to help you achieve them.If your manager really isnt receptive to these sorts of conversations or youve determined that a real promotion is all that will fulfill you career-wise right now, then its probably time to start your job hunt - with your clearly-outlined career goals in towThere are tons of ways to progress in your career that dont involve a fancy new job title.5. Take a Deep Breath and Move ForwardI know that not getting the promoti on you wanted is disappointing. But, fortunately, itsonlythat a disappointment.No matter what it feels like in the heat of the moment, this wont destroy your career. Its not the end of the road for you - not even close.So, dont use this as your excuse to toss up your hands and skate by with the bare minimum. Instead, take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other, and continue doing the very best work you possibly can. Remember, living well is the very best revenge.This article first appeared on The EveryGirl.