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To winder if asking for a promotion can be a detriment to ones position within an organisation?

33 replies

Carlie97 · 25/02/2026 16:57

I work really bloody hard. I never switch off really. Constant work, work, work and the stress that comes with it. I'm a junior manager and my workload is more than a few of the managers who are the next level up. I'm never recognised for my work and thought it's about time I was. My work does reflect that of what a manager would do in my profession.

I asked the ceo in an email about the prospect of changing my title and level to reflect my responsibilities and input and made it very clear I don't expect a payrise. There isn't the money for it. I wrote a great email outlining why I wanted to be considered for the above. The ceo's response has made me decide not to pursue it. I have been very down about it all day.

Can asking for a promotion before being offered one be to the detriment of the employee?

OP posts:
northernballer · 25/02/2026 17:34

Is the CEO your line manager?

BatshitIsTheOnlyExplanation · 25/02/2026 17:32

What did the CEO say? Was s/he against the idea or was it more of a woolly 'I'm not sure if now is the right time'?

Bear in mind that if you got promoted without a payrise, it might upset all the relativities for that grade which might be a reason that it's not on offer.

What does your line manager think?

Carlie97 · 25/02/2026 17:28

Butchyrestingface · 25/02/2026 17:10

How would that be worth it?

I'd have the job title I deserve. My title now sells what I actually do very short. It doesn't show off my skills and knowledge.

OP posts:
Butchyrestingface · 25/02/2026 17:10

Carlie97 · 25/02/2026 17:07

The job title and level up would be worth it though without the pay increase. It would be acknowledging what I do is that of a manager.

How would that be worth it?

Moen · 25/02/2026 17:08

Carlie97 · 25/02/2026 17:07

The job title and level up would be worth it though without the pay increase. It would be acknowledging what I do is that of a manager.

If you’re already a manager, then your pay should reflect that.

I agree that you have sold yourself short, if you are doing more work than is expected of you at your currently, then you should either be paid accordingly or not be doing the additional work.

What did the CEO say in response?

Carlie97 · 25/02/2026 17:07

daisychain01 · 25/02/2026 17:03

A few things occur to me reading your OP

asking for a promotion but stating you don't want any extra money makes no sense at all. The message you're giving is give me as much work as you like so I work all the hours god gave, but I don't want you to pay me because I'm a charity, I don't know my worth and I'm a people pleaser. To which they will say "yes please, thanks for your kind offer to be our slave"

asking for a promotion in name only is meaningless.

if you are getting plenty of experience and feel ready to take on more responsibility then look for an actual job vacancy at the next level up, that's the only way, because they have the vacancy and the budget to support it. Don't burn yourself out, nobody will notice and will keep expecting more.

The job title and level up would be worth it though without the pay increase. It would be acknowledging what I do is that of a manager.

OP posts:
OhDear111 · 25/02/2026 17:06

Yes. Apply for actual jobs and know your skills and your worth. Many people work hard but the key is your skills.

daisychain01 · 25/02/2026 17:03

A few things occur to me reading your OP

asking for a promotion but stating you don't want any extra money makes no sense at all. The message you're giving is give me as much work as you like so I work all the hours god gave, but I don't want you to pay me because I'm a charity, I don't know my worth and I'm a people pleaser. To which they will say "yes please, thanks for your kind offer to be our slave"

asking for a promotion in name only is meaningless.

if you are getting plenty of experience and feel ready to take on more responsibility then look for an actual job vacancy at the next level up, that's the only way, because they have the vacancy and the budget to support it. Don't burn yourself out, nobody will notice and will keep expecting more.

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