How to Handle Being Passed Over for a Promotion

It stings, and the sting is valid. But before you spiral or rage-quit, ask for a direct conversation with your manager. Ask specifically what was missing and what would need to be true for next time. If the answer is vague or political, that tells you something important about the organization. If the feedback is concrete, you have a roadmap. Either way, give yourself a week to feel the disappointment before making any big decisions -- emotions are real, but they're not great strategists.