Climbing the corporate ladder, how much power do you have?

So in the last 5 years I have been in the corporate world of management. I followed the rules, went to the meetings and learned from everyone I came in contact with. I thought the goal was to do your best so the higher ups will notice and offer promotions and raises(of course). Being in the hospitality industry, I know its booming and its not going anywhere so I felt secure.

After moving my way up to 2nd in charge within a hotel I was abruptly FIRED. I was fired for no cause no reason, no act of dishonesty, but because the General Manager felt like it. I was there before he was and I knew more than he did, but he had the power to fire me and he did. I can’t help but feel as if all of my hard work was for nothing. Everything I sacrificed to climb my way to the top only to be knocked down without any notice.
I am adjusting to unemployment and becoming a statistic in our country, but as many can attest to times are hard. I thought I had earned the power and respect I had worked for but, corporate is for the thick skinned. I may not be there yet, but i am not giving up. Bigger and better opportunities are ahead…I can feel it.