I’ve spent 20 years developing talent, and one question comes up again and again: “I want a promotion and it isn’t happening. Should I stay or go?”
My honest take… Nobody can answer that for you, and no one has a crystal ball. No one knows how a company will perform. What I can do is tell you what I’d pay attention to.
First, are you happy where you are?
If you’re content, you’re paid well, and you use and appreciate the perks and benefits, stay and enjoy it. That’s a beautiful thing, and not everyone needs a promotion.
But if you’re actively seeking one and you’re being shown it isn’t possible, pay attention to the signs. Consider exploring a different company. It doesn’t hurt to keep an eye on the marketplace to see what’s out there. Looking doesn’t mean leaving.
Look at the hierarchy
If someone is already in the role you want, notice that. The more senior you get, the fewer of those roles exist. A team led by a VP or SVP might have one or two senior directors and a few directors. There just aren’t many seats at the top, so it helps to see how many are left before you decide where to put your energy.
Remember it’s a long game
I tell my coachees that every time you get a new manager, you’re starting a new job. A new manager may not know your work or the case you’ve already built. Think about what that means for you, and whether it’s worth building again.
Promotions also often depend on people above your manager, and your manager may not control the outcome. I once spent years pushing for a director on my team to move up to VP. I could speak to his value, but leadership kept changing, and each new manager meant starting the case over. I didn’t control the outcome.
For more on timing, see When to start asking for a promotion. And if you want to build your case first, start with What it actually takes to get promoted.
What matters most to me
My best work has come from the team I was on. When I’ve had a great manager and great leaders around me, I’m enthralled by that team, loyal, and focused. When I find incredible leaders, that’s the company I want to work for. It makes a huge difference, bigger than a title.
So when you weigh whether to stay or go, don’t only ask “Will I get promoted here?” Ask a simpler question: Where do you do your best work?
This is your call
Only you can decide what’s worth exploring. Listen to your gut.
FAQ
Should I leave my job if I can’t get promoted? It depends on you. If you’re content and paid well, staying is a fine choice. If you want a promotion and you’re being shown it isn’t possible, pay attention to the signs and consider other companies.
How do I know if there’s room to move up? Look at the hierarchy. If someone already holds the role you want, notice that. The more senior the level, the fewer seats exist.
Does a new manager affect my chances? Yes. Every time you get a new manager, you’re starting a new job, and they may not know your work or the case you’ve built.
Is the team more important than the title? For me, it has been. My best work has come under great leaders, and that mattered more than a title.
If you’re stuck on this decision, let’s talk. This is exactly the kind of decision I work through with managers and leaders. I’ll ask the questions, you find your answer, and you’re not left guessing. Book your introductory coaching chemistry session.
