The Promotion 2008

Doug's Normal Life

Doug is an average assistant manager at a supermarket located near Chicago. He is content with his role until news of a new branch opening ignites ambition within him.

Announcement of Promotion

The owners of the supermarket announce the opening of a new branch and the availability of a managerial position. Doug sees this as the perfect opportunity to elevate his career and decides to apply for the job.

Supportive Spouse

Doug's wife plays a crucial role in boosting his confidence regarding his application. Her unwavering optimism helps Doug to believe that he deserves and can achieve the managerial position.

Richard Enters the Fray

Richard, a friendly but competitive newcomer from Canada, also applies for the same managerial position. This introduces an unexpected rivalry between him and Doug, complicating the atmosphere at work.

Friendly Rivalry Begins

The competition between Doug and Richard starts off as friendly, with both men navigating their relationship while vying for the promotion. However, it soon becomes apparent that this rivalry is more serious than they initially thought.

Personality Flaws Surface

As the competition intensifies, Doug's explosive temper and Richard's struggle with substance abuse become apparent. These flaws create a backdrop of tension that complicates their rivalry and their personal lives.

Richard's Personal Crisis

The stakes of the competition escalate when Richard's wife leaves him. This personal crisis hits Richard hard, adding emotional depth to the rivalry and showcasing the pressures of their ambitions.

Doug's Struggles with Anger

Doug starts to experience increased stress due to the fierce competition with Richard. His explosive temper leads to several confrontations, impacting his personal relationships and his work.

Richard's Vulnerability

Following his wife's departure, Richard's vulnerability becomes a focal point of the story. He struggles between his aspirations and the emotional pain he’s enduring, leading to moments of self-doubt.

Confrontation Escalation

The rivalry between Doug and Richard reaches a boiling point as tensions flare. Both men must confront their flaws and the impact their competition has on their lives and friendships.

Lessons in Ambition

Throughout the course of their contest, both Doug and Richard learn important lessons about ambition and the cost of pursuing dreams. Their experiences force them to reflect on what truly matters in life.

Resolution of Rivalry

As the competition nears its climax, Doug and Richard must confront their rivalry. They ultimately come to terms with their respective ambitions and the personal sacrifices they made along the way.

Final Outcome

The story culminates with the outcome of the managerial position being announced. Regardless of who wins, both Doug and Richard leave changed by their experiences and the journey they undertook.

Embracing Change

In the aftermath of the competition, both men reflect on their professional and personal journeys. They start to embrace new possibilities, showcasing growth beyond the confines of the rivalry.