I want to share a personal struggle I’ve been dealing with because I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. I’ve been working at my current job for over three years, and while the space I work in and the people I work with are both rewarding and impactful, I find myself feeling stuck.
Within just the last year I’ve launched some truly transformative projects. I’ve led an initiative that redefined how we handle onboarding customers to our platform and launched new products that have had an enormous impact on the bottom line. I’ve done this with minimal supervision, demonstrating autonomy, leadership, and a willingness to take on complex challenges — all of which should be the hallmarks of someone ready for growth.
Throughout this time, I’ve been frequently told by leadership that I’m a high performer, that I’m one of the smartest people in the room, and that my contributions have been pivotal. But despite all of that praise, I have yet to be promoted, and my raises have been only slightly above the cost of living. And this is where the frustration sets in.
It’s a tough pill to swallow when you’re told you’re valuable, but don’t see that reflected in your role, responsibilities, or paycheck. And that frustration doesn’t just go away. It builds up over time, leaving you to wonder: Is it me? Or is it the company?
This is where I’ve found myself in recent months — caught between wanting to believe in the company’s values and leadership and feeling like I’ve hit a ceiling that no one else is acknowledging.
Why This Happens
At this point, it’s not just about the promotion or raise anymore. It’s about trust. It’s about believing that leadership recognizes and supports your growth — not just in words, but through meaningful action. For many of us, when we’re in this situation, we start to question whether we’re really being seen for what we bring to the table, or if we’re just a replaceable cog in a machine.
The praise you receive starts to feel hollow when it’s not backed by the opportunities to actually level up. Words can only go so far — they don’t pay the bills, and they certainly don’t provide the challenge and growth we seek in our careers.
What I’ve Learned So Far
If you’re reading this and nodding along, I want you to know this: You’re not alone. It’s easy to feel like your experience is unique — like you’re the only one who has hit a wall, despite doing everything right. But this happens far more often than we think. It’s not even the first time within my own career.
Here’s what I’ve learned from my own situation
- Just because you’re working hard and seeing results doesn’t mean others are paying attention. Sometimes the lack of recognition isn’t a reflection of your work, but of structural limitations or organizational inertia.
- Your career trajectory should reflect the hard work you’ve put in. You deserve opportunities to evolve in your role, to take on more responsibility, and to be compensated in a way that matches your growing skill set and impact.
- It’s okay to feel frustrated. That frustration is a natural response when expectations aren’t met. But it’s also a sign that something needs to change — either within the organization or in how you approach your career.
What’s Next
Moving forward, I’m determined to make sure that praise is not the only thing I’m receiving. It’s action that will make the difference. And for those of you in similar situations, here are a few steps you can take to turn things around:
- Advocate for Yourself: Don’t just wait for the annual review or for someone to notice your hard work. Be proactive in discussing your goals and asking for new challenges, promotions, or compensation adjustments that match your contributions. Be clear about your value — and don’t shy away from articulating your need for recognition.
- Ask for Clear, Measurable Feedback: If you’re not being recognized as a high performer, ask your manager to provide specific feedback on what you need to achieve to move to the next level.
- Reevaluate Your Alignment with the Company: If it becomes clear that your growth is being stifled by the company’s lack of action or unclear promotion paths, it may be time to rethink your future there. Your career doesn’t have to be dependent on their timeline. Sometimes, you need to make a change to find the recognition and growth you deserve.
Don’t Settle
At the end of the day, praise is a great motivator, but it’s not enough. If you’re working hard and making a measurable impact, you should see that reflected in your role. Hold yourself and your company accountable for real growth and progress.
You’re not alone in feeling like this, and you have the power to change the situation, whether that means advocating for yourself internally or finding a new opportunity that values you appropriately.
Ultimately, it’s not just about getting a promotion. It’s about ensuring your career continues to evolve, that you’re treated with the respect you deserve, and that your contributions have the impact they should.