Well, it turns out that that promotion I applied for? It's got a shitty caseload. And I haven't heard a word about it since the interview. I'm hoping they hired someone else to take over this monstrosity. I can safely say that I am NOT ready for that type of caseload, and I'll leave it at that.
Although the promotion would put me at $1.50 more an hour, give or take, it would require that I obtain a masters degree, which my employer or another entity will pay for, if I sign a contract stating that I will remain employed by my current employer for X number of years, which I have been told is 6 at minimum.
*blink*
Now, if I were allowed to get a masters in any field I desired, I might be gung-ho about this. However, I would be required to obtain a masters in the field I'm currently employed; rehabilitation counseling. Also, once I have obtained that degree, in theory, my pay increases to "master counselor" level. Unfortunately, this is left to the discression of the big boss, and thus far, two employees have obtained a masters degree through the steps mentioned above and are NOT being paid what they deserve.
I'm not a big fan of lies or of broken or empty promises. I'm not a big fan of having to be someone else in order to get that extra $1.50 an hour. I have a conscience, and I have a brain, and I'm afraid I have free will and an idea of what's right and wrong. I'd make a terrible used car salesman and/or politician.
Bureacracy sucks.