My father’s career path was simply 40 years with the same company, working his way up from an entry-level sales job to the top spot as the Executive VP of Sales. After his mandatory retirement, he spent the next 10 years working as a consultant with the same customers he had worked with before. Pretty simple and straightforward.

Now turn the page to 2003 and look at me. I’ve changed jobs more in the past six years than my Dad did in 40 but not because I couldn’t do the job. No, it’s because the career path I wanted became more twisted than the plot of “The Matrix Reloaded.”

On top of that, I was one of those naïve employees who refused to play office politics because I was “better than that!” S’yeah, right! That kind of thinking cost me twice when promotions that I wanted came and went. Because I decided to sit on the sidelines while others participated in “The Game”, I wasn’t picked for the team when promotion time came. So I ended up leaving for the so-called “greener pastures.”

Sadly, I’m not alone in this. Largely because of the economy, but also because of a subtle shift in corporate thinking, career paths are no longer clear-cut like they were in my dad's day. So what should you do if you’re passed over for a promotion that you feel you richly deserved?

Experts agree that there’s a 5-point checklist you need to cover before you make any rash decisions.

1. Take time to calm down or you may do or say something that you’ll regret. If you barge into your boss’s office and DEMAND to know why you didn’t get the promotion, bad things will happen. Instead, try sorting through your feelings with someone outside your company. Julie in Accounting may be your best friend, but she’s probably not the most objective person to bounce your frustrations off of. She has her own prejudices about people in the company that will color her opinions. Instead, find a friend that doesn’t know the principals involved and discuss the situation with them until you calm down.

2. Once you’re calm, meet with your supervisor to discuss why you didn’t get the promotion. Set up a meeting with your supervisor and let them know that you really wanted that promotion. But instead of being confrontational, ask them what issues or skills you need to work on to better your chances of getting that job in the future. Use your boss as a mentor.

3. Figure out if that new position is really what you want. If you’re passed over for a promotion, it’s an excellent time to take stock in your life and career and figure out why you wanted it in the first place. Do you want a pay raise … change your job title … expand your role in the company … or are you just bored in your current position.

4. If you don’t like some of the answers you’re getting, re-evaluate your future with the company. Given the state of the job market, this one can be harsh, but there are times that you’re just not a good fit in a company and your career path is non-existent. If this is the case, intensify your efforts to find a new company that can use your talents and skills better. Company loyalty only goes as far as your happiness.

5. Develop your own personal career action plan — and then stick to it! Remember, getting passed over for a promotion — even one you desperately wanted — isn’t the end of the world. Try to stay focused and upbeat (even though it’s hard) and learn from the experience.