Stuck in a job with no possibility of promotion or raise for the next foreseeable future.

Stuck in a job with no possibility of promotion or raise for the next foreseeable future.

Hi! First-time poster here. I am currently stuck in a job where I have no near-future advancement possibilities, and I don't know how to go about it.

I have been working as part of an internal business service matrixed team for 4 years and 9 months. I started as a contractor first, but I have been a direct hire for the past 2 years and 11 months.

I am a high performer within the team. The rest of the team is always characterizing me as an important part of the team, a type-A personality, a high achiever, an over-achiever, someone who gets things done, etc.

I have had a raise every year since I was hired directly, and since I stopped being a contractor. The company usually gives out raises every year to everyone based on performance (supposedly). I believe it to be more based on your manager, seniority, and luck.

After almost 4 years, 3 raises, and one promotion/raise, I am already at 99% of my pay-grade range (I am thankful). However, this means that next year in Feb/march I will only be eligible most likely for a 0.71% raise if my current manager wishes to stick to the rules and make sure I do not go above the pay band range.

Additionally, I asked my manager directly if I would be considered for a promotion this year, or if I have to wait 2 years until I am even considered for another promotion (which is usual, from what I gather from other employees). My manager said that is correct. I would have to wait 2 years before I am even considered for a promotion.

I would have to wait until May 1st, 2024 before I can be considered for a promotion. That is 11 months away.

The way our team works is that we are all matrixed, so each person on our team is assigned to provide our services to a different project outside our team. This leaves us with only 20% of our time allotted for internal team tasks, such as all the admin and operational tasks our team needs to complete as a team in order for us to be more efficient when we are providing services to other projects.

Currently, I carry most of the burden of those internal team tasks. I am the only person passionate about the operations part of our team. The company doesn't believe in it, my manager doesn't believe in it, and the rest of my team just relies on the fact that I will get it done.

I am at a crossroads, and I already spoke to my manager about it. If I am the only person picking up the slack on the operational side if I am not going to be eligible for a promotion, or a substantial raise, then what is my motivation?

My manager suggested I drop the operational tasks and focus solely on project work, but the manager currently has me assigned to a project that is not funded, and in the manager's eyes I know it doesn't really have any value if it's not funded. My manager is very numbers-outcomes oriented and you can tell they are seeking recognition for themselves.

I have current big tasks I want to complete on the operational side, but I am afraid to continue with those tasks that I know have no value in everyone else's eyes.

Do I drop these tasks and try to focus only on project work, considering I have no prospect of promotions or raises, and I get continuous feedback from my manager that I am doing too much, but it's all stuff that doesn't matter?

Additionally, I have already applied for a couple of positions in other companies, and hope to maybe use any offers I receive as leverage, or just simply quit.

*As a side note. I absolutely love my team and my job. I just strongly disagree with promotions and raises not being merit-based, and being based on whose turn it is, longevity alone, or whoever the manager likes best.

Thoughts?