feel isolated in work

[Uhuhhoney]

I started a junior (ish) role in a company in December. There's about 15 of us in an open office. Me and another women (who is lovely) are on the lowest salary, but not by much. It's only relevant to state this as we are treated according to our "rank".

The rest of the office are upper ranks (about 3/2 classes). Most of these people are lovely and have really helped me settle into the role (which is quite demanding) offering help and advice along the way. There is however a group of four men and women who will not speak to me. Whenever I direct relevant work to them, they look at me as if I'm being ridiculous, or don't turn around from their desks or just point blank ignore me. I'm not bothered if they don't like me, it's just that it's so obvious to everyone else that they're ignoring me. They also say bye individually to everyone in the office and leave me out (even though I'm in plain sight as they walk out). I can kinda handle this - bit awkward but whatever.

Anyway. My manager has suggested that I apply for a promotion to a two ranks higher, as a job (amongst many others) has become available. She has said that I am working at a level above my current salary and I should go for it - the GM has also stated this. As new jobs came out, everyone was talking about them. One of the four asked me if I was going for one of them. I said yeah I might as well try. And they spent 20 minutes telling me how difficult it will be, how I still won't earn as much as them, how it's cutting into their job security.

I feel really torn - obviously I'm not wanting to step on anyone's toes, but it's a career I've always wanted and this is a way to progress. But I fear the awkward atmosphere will only get worse. AIBU to think there are nicer offices out there

[CocoPuffsInGodMode]

Do NOT be intimidated by this small group of people Op, you should absolutely apply for the job. These four sound really up themselves but you've said everyone else is fine. Every job has difficult people but you can be guaranteed everyone else in the office knows who the difficult people are even if they don't say so to the newest member.

Your manager has suggested you apply so s/he obviously has faith in you. It's a step up, presumably more money and experience, please don't let worries about other people's possible reaction put you off getting ahead.

[iLoveABiccy]

No way don't listen to them, go for the job & listen to your Manager & GM 100%, they're just intimidated

[cees]

Please go for it, don't let them hold you back

[Chilver]

Do not let them out you off applying. Their are intimidated and don't want the status quo to change. Tough, that's life. If they were in any way good at their jobs they would be feeling secure enough to encourage and mentor you. I've always tried to train junior staff to exceed my job one day!

[AJPTaylor]

its an absolute sign of a knob if someone has an issue with anothers promotion.
these knobs exist in most businesses. dont let someone influence you when they have already demonstrated that they wouldnt piss on you if you were on fire
if they are so hierarchy focused you will probably find that when you are promoted you will suddenly become worthy of their time.

[CycleHire]

As others have said you shouldn’t definitely go for the job, assuming you want it. Does your manager see how these colleagues treat you? You sound like you’re handling it well but what they’re doing isn’t on. Not everyone at work will be your best buddy but they shouldn’t be excluding you like that.

Good luck with the job application!

[CycleHire]

should definitely go for the job

[homeTIRF]

Woman up and good luck.

[ListeningtoBowie]

You go for that job and ignore those miserable people

[ChasedByBees]

Go for it! And yes there will be nicer offices but the way to prove to those offices that you can work st that level is to already be at that level somewhere else.

[UrsulaPandress]

Please go for the promotion.