I've been working for the same company for 2 yrs now,  sales associate and freight.     I was taught to always have pride in what I do and to do the best I can.. < instilled by my aunt and a very strong right arm....>  I see so  much laziness at my job, where people  stand around saying that there isn't anything to do,  mean while I'm  sweating my tail off trying to get things done/ fixed/ downstocked etc.. < never enough time to get everything done..>     and yet the laziest  people who wont even pick up a empty box on the floor  are getting promoted ,  raises,  and the pat on the back what a good job they are doing. .  
    Now there are two manager spots open and I;ve put my name up for either..   i just want a hug to encourage me that all the years of hard work will finaly be rewarded.   and not just given to someone because their buddy is also a manager.       i  want to see pride come back to ones job.  because  it does show even tho some don't think it does.  
>>  i'm just scared that i won't get it because of work politics.... not work preformance.

A BIG ((((((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))))) to you from me!!!
Of course pride shows!  I hope you keep that thought no matter the outcome!
I think people who are promoted simply because they are "buddies" with the boss always fail...
sooner or later the "boss" gets the clue and does the right thing. Don't give up...and think good thoughts!

A huge hug for you pegasaurus

Think positive, even though things may suck now, they almost always turn out right in the end. There's a saying that goes "Hard work pays off in the end, laziness pays off now", and although that's just a saying intended for humour, it's true! It all may be well and good for the lazy people now, but, as ResQDonna said, after a while the boss will figure out they're no good for the job and he'll turn to the hardworkers, so you're hard work WILL pay off in the end
Good luck with the manager positions, I really hope you get it Another hug for good luck!

A BIIIIIIGGG Grandpa hug to you and a  biigg hope that you will get it.

As a owner who have had some employees one can tell who is good and who is not, even if one don't got around telling it direct.

If what you tell is truth, that you always have put in your effort to have thing done...well then you should have good chances to succeed.
In my opinion you are also in the right age for such a job.
Even if Young people are attractive in the marked, they aren't that stable as people that have passed the 40's

But as you say....many a dumb decision have been made on the friendships "altar" hopefully that will not happen to you.

Another big Grandpa huuuggg and Good Luck!

Have another Grandad hug Mmmmmmmmm.
I wish I could find people like you to work for me, all I get are time wasters and dossers.