I asked my boss a promotion, but I set myself up before the ask by summarizing my accomplishments the last 7 years, what I have done differently the past year to show career growth and what I can potentially do.

8 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 23,2025 at 7:51AM UTC

   Look for a new job. Your current employer has no interest in partnering with you on career mobility.

2. AnonymousApril 24,2025 at 12:40PM UTC

   I agree with the others who replied, but if you decide to move forward with this company rather than outward to another, think of things you have that none of your colleagues have. What is your "wow" factor? What sets you apart? Think of other job titles that are lateral in function yet higher in status.

   For example, before I retired, I had come through the ranks from [title] to Senior [title], to Lead [title], to site manager. About six months before I was to retire, I chose to step back and became [title] Specialist, which they considered a lateral move from site manager. I was responsible for the career development of others who were [title(s)]. I was grooming my replacement, in a sense, so that once I left, someone could step right up, and the others had honed their [title] skills. Something like this protects your career development because you have to keep your development up to date to teach others. If this isn't something in your wheelhouse, grab onto your "wow factor" and develop a job description that requires it.

3. Lilye Stallworth ChaffinApril 24,2025 at 4:39PM UTC

   Keep doing a great job and stand out from everyone else. The will eventually see your value.

4. AnonymousApril 28,2025 at 3:57PM UTC

   Sorry, but that's very outdated advice. The OP is doing the right thing by touting her accomplishments and asking for a raise/promotion. If they can't/won't/don't see her value, she needs to move on.

   A lot of women are apt to do this because we've been trained/conditioned to stay in the background and not highlight our accomplishments. I spent a lot of years taking on extra duties and tasks, thinking it would make a difference. But it doesn't. I'm stuck doing a lot of thankless tasks with no appreciation while they force me out the door.

5. AnonymousApril 24,2025 at 7:20PM UTC

   You have your answer. Your company culture is such they do not provide ladders for growth. My suggestion is to look outside of your company and be sure in an interview to ask, please describe your ladder for growth. How might one advance and what tools does your company provide so employees can grow. Something like that. I am in a niche job, no one cares. But sadly if I were to leave they would care. They care the work gets done, not necessarily who performs it. It's a sad realization but I know there are companies out there that do promote movement. You just have to find the one that does.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 24,2025 at 8:59PM UTC

   What happens if you tell them you have a job offer and they say "good luck in your new position".

7. AnonymousApril 27,2025 at 8:45PM UTC

   Then I am moving on from the company.

8. AnonymousApril 30,2025 at 4:10PM UTC

   Just because you want a promotion doesn't mean you get one. Do your list and create a job function and if they decline you your only alternative if you really want to move up is to find another company where there is a growth ladder and promotional possibility. Good luck.