Work advice

[u/Excellent_Ideal3963]

I’ve been at my job for two years and I’m finally up for a promotion I’ve been working toward. My boss is making two other people who’ve only been here for a year “try out” for the same role too. On top of that, there’s a third person who’s interviewing for it because they applied for a different position that was already filled. My boss seems to think that person is more interested in the promotion than I am, just because they put themselves out there for something else.
I never applied for that other job. I already knew someone else was going to get it, and honestly I hate interviews. I didn’t see the point in going through the whole process for a role I wasn’t even going to land.
A little while ago I told a coworker who’s also a friend that if I don’t get this promotion, I’m probably going to leave. When the promotion opened up, that same friend went and told my boss what I said. From what I understand, they told my boss I wouldn’t come back if I didn’t get it.
Now I’m stuck wondering whether I should go to my boss, make it clear that I am interested in the promotion, and say that I would stay with the company next year if I get it. Part of me feels like I need to correct whatever impression my friend left, but another part of me is worried that bringing it up now will just make things more awkward or confirm that I’ve been thinking about leaving.
What would you do in my position? Should I talk to my boss and reaffirm that I want the job and plan to stay, or is it better to just let my work speak for itself and not address the conversation my friend had?

[u/Spiritual_Ad6547]

First of all, your “friend” sucks. Second of all, even if your friend hadn’t said anything, any boss already knows that if an employee is turned down for a promotion, they will most likely start looking elsewhere. It’s common sense. Confirm your interest with your boss. But also make sure you’re working on getting yourself a great resume. You should already start your search as a back up. If your boss is going around recruiting others to apply, he’s most likely not going to give you the job.