Let’s talk about one of the most manipulative tools in the corporate toolbox — the fake promotion promise.
You’ve heard it before:
“We’re working on a growth plan for you.”
“Just hang in there, it’s not the right quarter.”
“You’re doing senior-level work already — the title is just a formality.”
Spoiler alert: the title is not coming. The raise is not coming. And yes — they’re stringing you along on purpose.
The Corporate Carrot on a Stick
Companies have mastered the art of getting more work out of people without paying for it. It’s a simple system:
- Dangle a promotion.
- Withhold it while praising your “potential.”
- Enjoy your free overperformance.
It’s manipulation dressed up as motivation.
You end up doing senior-level work on a junior salary, managing people without the authority, running projects without support, and staying late without acknowledgement.
And when you finally ask about that promotion? Suddenly there’s a process. A panel. A budget constraint. A shift in priorities. It’s always “soon.”
You’re Being Used — Not Recognised
Here’s the truth: if they wanted to promote you, they already would have.
They know you’re good. That’s why they’re keeping you right where you are — because you’re effective, reliable, and most importantly, cheap.
They’ve decided it’s more convenient to keep you on the hook with vague promises than to go through the trouble of actually promoting you. Because a real promotion comes with expectations — and a price tag.
Why pay you more when you’re already doing the work for less?
Your Loyalty Is a Bargain They Don’t Deserve
You may think sticking it out shows grit. That being patient proves your value. And in a healthy company with real leadership, maybe it would.
But in most companies? It just makes you an easy target for exploitation.
They’ll keep saying you’re “next in line” right up until someone else gets brought in above you.
They’ll tell you to wait for the next cycle — until it passes with no change.
They’ll say they see you as a leader — just not officially.
That’s not loyalty. That’s bait.
The Moral: Stop Waiting for Permission to Level Up
If your company can’t see your value now, chances are they never will — or worse, they see it and are intentionally downplaying it.
So stop waiting. Build your own leverage. Start interviewing. Start networking. Start documenting everything you do that goes beyond your current title.
And when they finally come around with the “we’re ready to promote you” speech, you can smile, thank them, and let them know it’s a little too late — because someone else already did.
The Toxic Boss 
Leave a comment