Jeff, Sorry to hear that, I know how much you were expecting and looking forward to the new position. Been there done that, if ya wanna trade sob stories some day let me know [].
Unlike you, I took the competitors offer and that too was a great step forward. But like you (and probably most) I'm a dreamer too. Always looking for the next big thing! Most of us, who havescratched our way into upper managementare not going to the next plateau working for someone else. No matter the level of knowledge or dedication. There's just not enough of "those" positions to sustain us all. Sooner or later the glass ceiling gets us. It's either move on for more money, to some new location, or suck it up and stay where we are comfortable both in job and community. As a family man, sometimes community dictates!

While I don't envy your position, I envy the world of possibilities now before you. The world is your oyster! Your intelligent and committed and you'll succeed because your programmed that way. In the meantime if I can be of any help emotionally, or otherwise. You got plenty of ways to get a hold of me. Just use one of them.

Good luck Buddy!

PS.. if your cell is changing let me know

Sincerely, Bob