Context:
I worked full time for three years at current place of work.
I then went on maternity leave for one year.
I returned for three months working in the same role.
I applied for a promotion over the summer and was successful. I will remain on the same part time hours.
I'm very happy as it provides a healthy stepping stone to future career prospects.
The colleagues in question:
Have worked at the institution for much longer than I have (10+ years), admittedly they know certain systems inside out and potentially better than I do. However, I do think I'm the right fit for the current role and believe I have demonstrated I have the skills etc for it.
They did not apply for the promotion as they "were not asked to" to quote them. I was honest when they asked if I had applied for it. I also was not asked, but expressed a clear interest for it from the get go.
There has been a history at the workplace of these colleagues getting upset about similar situations regarding promotions, and have caused discomfort to levels whereby the promoted have moved on.
These colleagues have begun the same pattern of negative behavior towards me. Think sneering, ignoring, looking through me as if I don't exist, occasional snide remarks.
Am I being unreasonable in thinking this behaviour is pathetic? If you want the role, go for it surely? Don't just hold a grudge against someone and become hellbent on making their time at work a misery because you couldn't be bothered to apply for the promotion you didn't get?
I feel sad for them as I personally think they must have personal issues to feel this way. I do also feel a bit pissed off that we can't all just behave like grown ups (hence this post!).