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Original poster

In thinking that progression at work is a myth?

59 replies

Floogal · 07/08/2025 13:50

Basically as I asked in the title. It seems that anyone wanting more money and interesting tasks at work can not really advance. Due in part to nepotism, cronyism and mostly (forgive my misandry) 'dead man's shoes'. More so if you are at the bottom. You feel cheated when the shop floor to top floor mantra is spouted.
Also it seems a double standard where you can't win. If you want progression and and get it you're seen as greedy or deluded. If you're content and don't want to progress, you're often viewed as lazy and unambitious.

OP posts:
Velmy · 07/08/2025 14:31

Maybe I've been lucky, but that hasn't been my experience at all, ever.

Companies make mistakes, or people don't work out in certain roles, but I've genuinely never seen anyone get/keep an important job/promotion that they're awful at.

I'm sure it happens, but I expect it's a minority.

What I have seen is a lot of people who don't have the ability or won't put the effort in, assume that everyone that gets promoted above them has only got to where they are because 'their face fits'.

SkylarFalls · 07/08/2025 13:59

I think there are windows and yes, it's all rigged.

Things like sex, age, appearance all factor into it and it's not a level playing field

Not only that, but people who themselves climbed up from the bottom, love to pull the ladder up after them, and expect the hires they make under then to tick boxes they themselves never had to tick on their way up!

But they'll be quick to use themselves as an example of "working up with just hard work" despite the fact that if you applied to interview with them and used their past CVs, you wouldn't even be short listed!

Countessy · 07/08/2025 13:55

Totally depends on where you work.

I’ve progressed in my career and it’s been entirely due to (1) ability to do the job (2) hitting my targets and (3) being affable and building good relationships with colleagues. None of my progression has been ‘dead mans shoes’ - I’ve never replaced anyone.

I also work in a profession where you have to start on the “shop floor” - it’s not possible to progress without doing so and “serving time”
in those roles.

BoredZelda · 07/08/2025 13:55

Hatty65 · 07/08/2025 13:51

Well possibly where you work, but it's a real sweeping statement. Lots of people are promoted on ability rather than nepotism.

Always exceptions to the rule but when I’ve been in companies where a son is brought in, their meteoric rise isn’t usually reflective of their ability.

Whiningatwine · 07/08/2025 13:54

Loads of opportunities for progression at my work if your face fits.

BoredZelda · 07/08/2025 13:54

Statistics show it can be for women with children and that’s been my experience.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 07/08/2025 13:53

I think you maybe just need to find a nicer place to work.

Mrsttcno1 · 07/08/2025 13:53

I can’t say this has been my experience no.

Hatty65 · 07/08/2025 13:51

Well possibly where you work, but it's a real sweeping statement. Lots of people are promoted on ability rather than nepotism.