Should I Quit If I Didn’t Get Promoted? (Must Read)

Okay, so you didn’t receive the promotion.

You feel upset! You have worked hard and performed in your job for several years, and have been anticipating a promotion.

Maybe you have been passed over by a younger more inexperienced co-worker.

And to rub salt into your wounds is now your manager.

Now you are contemplating if you should stay in your current role or look to quit.

The immediate response is to write out your resignation letter shoving across your manager’s desk.

Is this the best approach?

So, should I quit if I don’t get promoted?

No, you should not quit, not just yet. Before you hand in your resignation letter, it’s best to have a calm conversation with your boss to understand why you didn’t receive the promotion. Without getting upset, listen to what is being said. It might be because of a lack of experience, skills or behaviour.

Sometimes it is because of budget constraints. But already you will know why you didn’t get the promotion. From there you start to think about and plan your next steps.

Let’s also remember that receiving promotions are a major incentive and reward for employees.

If promotions are not achieved this can be detrimental to your work satisfaction.

So now I have answered the first question, we’ll discuss further approaches to take in figuring out if you should stay or quit your job.

Try again, bridge the gap

Ok, so your boss has provided you with reasons why you didn’t get the promotion.

You don’t have to agree or like what is being said, but at least you know.

If it was due to inexperience, skills or behaviour you can now address these gaps.

For instance, skills or experience you can do a course or get exposure at work to get those skills. If it is behavioural you can adjust your behaviour to suit.

Once you have a plan on how to bridge the gap share it with your manager, receive their feedback.

If the manager’s feedback is negative or positive at least you will know, you won’t be left second-guessing.

Their feedback will help you make a decision on your next steps.

Don’t burn bridges

So you didn’t receive the promotion. You are now very emotional, enough to make you scream and tell management where to go !!

But before you do start screaming and walking around the office in a foul mood, think about the bigger picture.

Things can rapidly change in business and you want to put yourself in the best possible position to get these opportunities.

If you do end up leaving you to want to be seen In the best possible light.

One day, you may need a reference from an old boss. This could be made difficult if you have told them where to go.

Or an opportunity in a more senior role returning to your old workplace.

Sort out your career plan (if you haven’t already)

If you haven’t already, set out your career plan.

The benefit of having a career plan is it sets out a plan, goals to accomplish your career goal.

A career plan will help lay out the steps to achieve your career. It may help confirm what you what to study to achieve your career goals.

A career plan is not something that you stuff in a draw to forget about. It is a document that requires continuous improvement and refreshment.

The best career plans are ones where you have reflected on your career, what you have not enjoyed but importantly what you enjoy doing.

By assessing your career plan, you will also identify gaps in experience and knowledge that are holding you back in achieving your career goals.

How long should I wait for a promotion?

Whilst promotions are key to employee satisfaction, in most organisations you would not expect to receive a promotion within the first year.

If you haven’t received a promotion within 3 years it’s probably best to consider moving on.

Nowadays organisations are flat, with few levels of hierarchy. This poses a problem if you are looking to move up into a more senior role.

Before you ask for a promotion or have an expectation of a promotion, ensure that you have performed in your current role.

Ideally met and exceeded the job role.

It would be unreasonable to expect a promotion if you haven’t met the minimum job criteria.

Look out for opportunities

The best time to start looking for a new role is when you are in a role.

Start scoping out organisations that align with your values and interests by talking to your network.

Keep an eye out on online job vacancies to see what type of jobs are out there.

What type of skills, experience and importantly how much they pay.

This will help you gauge the ease of moving roles, and how much they pay.

Keep an eye out for roles that align with a career plan.

If you do find and accept a role resign with grace. No need to burn bridges.

It’s also important not to waste energy by harbouring resentment, just move to look forward to your new role.

Keep exercising

It can be so easy to get caught up with the frustrations of work, I know!

These frustrations can distract and neglect the time taken for ourselves.

It can also have an impact on your family life, negatively.

Hence, it’s important to take time out to exercise. Even if it’s going for a 1/2 hr walk each day.

For me, going for a brisk walk in the morning for 1/2 hr helps clear my head, putting my mind in a positive mindset.

This helps with thinking clearly and positive mindset for the day ahead

Final Thoughts

It’s best to continue to perform at work, continue to focus on doing a good job.

However, If don’t want to spend time being patient, trying to work your way up, the alternative is to move organisations.

This is the fastest way to get a wage increase and a better job title.

From my experience, things can quickly change in the workplace opening up job opportunities and promotions.

Sometimes is a matter of being at the right time at the right place.