What do you do if you were promised a promotion and raise, but it never came?

What do you do if you were promised a promotion and raise, but it never came?

I've had a friend in this situation recently (and have also been there myself int he past) and it STINKS. How did you approach the situation? How do you handle the disappointment?

JOIN THE SEASON OF SHARING:

1. Find three different members who are seeking advice and share your wisdom.

2. Post your burning career question or a workplace scenario you need advice on and then copy and paste this to the bottom of your post!

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

8 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Malissa

    Have they asked what happened? A frank conversation is often best.

  2. Anonymous

    Disappointment is something that is personal. You have to either roll with it or set your bar higher and look for a new opportunity to set your sights on.

    I personally have a huge issue with broken promises. Especially if I've earned the promotion. I'm a fighter and I don't take that kind of lack of integrity by people or companies.

  3. Cassandra Schmigotzki

    I'd definitely be asking what happened like Malissa said.

  4. Joycelyn M. Siame

    I would revisit the conversation I had with my manager and pretty much just ask them the status of my promotion and raise that was promised to me. I would wait, max, a month and ask about again ("just following up on our previous conversation"). If I don't get the response that I want (in writing, receiving a start date and agreed to salary amount, signed by all parties involved), that is when I would start looking for another job because clearly they are not honest and are talking out of their a$$. Why would you want to work for a place like that? The only thing I would excuse is if they are having a hard time financially and don't want to promote you without the funds to match. The thing to remember, for both sides, is that honesty is key. For your friend, please let them know, it is OK to speak up for themselves and to take a strong stance on their career and what they should be compensated for it. I hope this helped.

  5. Anonymous

    I was promised a raise/promotion in a shorter amount of time than when it actually happened. By the time I left, I was done waiting for the next one so I left, and when I was leaving they tried to get me to stay by "working on" that promotion. It didn't come in time and I'm glad I left, I don't like empty promises.

  6. Barb Hansen

    I would start looking for another job. Period. End of sentence.

  7. Maura van der Linden

    I find another job and leave.

  8. Stephanie Lekowski

    Find out the reason. If it's performance related you can discuss how to improve and make an agreed upon deadline to revisit the raise and promotion issue. If you're brushed off with budgetary reasons, department reshifting, etc., they are stringing you along and you have a decision to make re whether you will stay or go. With all the resignations these days, I think so many companies and firms that do this are being extremely short-sighted. Good luck :-)!

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members