How Long Should You Wait for a Promotion? Signs It's Been Too Long

Have you been patiently waiting for that long-promised promotion, only to feel stuck in career limbo? If it’s been more than one to two years since you were assured a promotion, and no progress has been made, it may be too long to wait. While every company operates differently, promotions should ideally follow a structured path based on performance, not empty promises.

If you’ve been strung along for years with excuses, shifting timelines, or vague assurances, it might be time to take action. In this guide, we’ll break down the realistic timeframes for promotions, the factors that can delay them, and what you can do to speed up the process—or decide if it’s time to move on.

Credit: Ben White

How Long Should You Wait for a Promotion?

While there’s no universal rule, here’s a general guideline based on industry standards:

• Entry-Level to Mid-Level Promotion: Typically 1–2 years, depending on performance.
• Mid-Level to Senior-Level Promotion: 2–5 years in most industries.
• Leadership & Executive Promotions: Can take 5+ years, but significant progress should be visible along the way.

If you’ve exceeded these benchmarks without concrete steps toward your promotion, your company may not be as committed to your growth as they claim.

Factors That Influence How Long a Promotion Takes

Several key factors impact how quickly you move up the ladder:

1. Company Structure & Culture

• Some companies have rigid promotion cycles, while startups may promote employees faster due to rapid growth.
• Bureaucratic organizations may have slower processes, requiring patience and persistence.

2. Performance & Skill Development

• Promotions are often tied to measurable achievements—if you’ve consistently exceeded expectations but still haven’t been promoted, something’s off.
• Acquiring new skills and certifications can accelerate your chances.

3. Office Politics & Favoritism

• Unfortunately, promotions aren’t always based on merit alone. Internal politics, favoritism, or lack of advocacy can slow down your progress.

4. Budget Constraints & Business Performance

• If the company is struggling financially, promotions may be delayed due to budget cuts or hiring freezes.

5. Your Negotiation & Advocacy Skills

• Those who actively express their career goals and ask for promotions tend to move up faster than those who wait for recognition.

How to Speed Up the Promotion Process

Feeling like you’re waiting indefinitely? Here’s how to take control of the situation:

• Schedule a Direct Conversation: If it’s been too long, request a formal meeting to discuss your career progression.
• Document Your Achievements: Keep a running list of your contributions, projects, and measurable results to justify your promotion.
• Ask for a Clear Timeline: If your boss keeps pushing the date, ask for a specific timeframe and what you need to do to qualify.
• Seek Feedback & Act on It: If they claim you’re not ready, ask for concrete steps to get there—and follow through.
• Find a Mentor or Advocate: Having a higher-up vouch for you can significantly impact promotion decisions.
• Be Open to External Opportunities: If your company isn’t investing in your growth, another employer might.

When Should You Consider Leaving?

If you’ve done everything right and still aren’t getting anywhere, it may be time to explore new opportunities. Consider leaving if:

✅ You’ve been waiting more than 2 years without clear progress.
✅ Your employer keeps making excuses instead of setting a timeline.
✅ You’ve outgrown your role and aren’t being challenged anymore.
✅ Other employees are getting promoted while you’re stuck.
✅ You’ve negotiated and delivered results, but nothing changes.

Credit: Eric Prouzet

FAQs (People Also Ask)

How Do I Know If I’m Overdue for a Promotion?

You may be overdue if:

• You’ve been in the same role for over two years with no progression.
• You consistently exceed expectations but receive no recognition or raise.
• Peers with similar experience are moving up while you remain stagnant.
• Your responsibilities have increased, but your title and salary remain unchanged.

How Long Should a Promotion Take?

Promotion timelines vary by industry, but on average:

• Entry-Level to Mid-Level: 1–2 years
• Mid-Level to Senior-Level: 2–5 years
• Senior to Leadership Roles: 5+ years

A healthy career typically sees advancement every two to three years, provided you're performing well and adding value.

Signs You May Never Get Promoted

If you notice these warning signs, your promotion may not be coming:

• Your boss avoids career discussions or gives vague responses.
• Promises of a promotion keep getting delayed with no clear timeline.
• New hires or external candidates are advancing while you stay put.
• Your role has expanded significantly, but your title and salary haven’t changed.
• The company offers no mentorship or professional development.

Why Are Less Qualified Coworkers Getting Promoted?

Promotions aren’t always based on performance alone. Common reasons others move up faster:

• Better self-advocacy – They asked for a promotion while you waited to be noticed.
• Stronger relationships with leadership – They have internal support.
• Higher visibility – Their contributions are more recognized by decision-makers.
• Office politics or favoritism – Unfair, but it happens.
• Clearer feedback – They may be improving based on direct guidance.

How Can I Ask Why I Haven’t Been Promoted?

Schedule a meeting and address the issue directly. Use a results-driven approach:

"I’ve taken on additional responsibilities and consistently delivered strong results. Can we set a clear timeline for my promotion?"

In the conversation:

• Highlight key achievements that have contributed to company success.
• Show how you’ve exceeded expectations in your role.
• Ask for specific steps to secure a promotion.
• Request a defined timeline rather than vague assurances.

What Should I Do If My Promotion Request Is Denied?

A rejection doesn’t mean your career is at a standstill. Instead:

• Ask for direct feedback on what’s missing.
• Request a reassessment timeline (e.g., six months).
• Evaluate whether your company values growth—if not, look elsewhere.
• Track your contributions and ensure leadership is aware of them.
• Explore external opportunities if excuses persist.

When Should You Consider Leaving?

If your promotion is consistently delayed without justification, consider moving on. Key signs it’s time to leave:

• You’ve been in the same role for 2+ years with no progression.
• Your employer keeps making excuses instead of setting clear goals.
• You’re underpaid compared to industry standards.
• You’ve stagnated for 3+ years despite delivering results.

Is Switching Companies the Best Way to Get Promoted?

Many professionals advance faster by changing companies rather than waiting. If your current employer isn’t offering a clear path for growth, seeking a new role may be the best option.

Should I Ask for a Raise Instead of a Promotion?

If a promotion isn’t available but your responsibilities have grown, negotiating a salary increase can be a strategic alternative.

Is a Promotion Without a Salary Increase Worth It?

Consider the long-term value before accepting:

• If it builds valuable skills and experience, it may be beneficial.
• If it only means more work without benefits, it’s not worth it.

How Can I Negotiate a Salary Increase Along With a Promotion?

For a successful negotiation:

• Research industry salary benchmarks for your role.

• Quantify your contributions and show measurable impact.

• Frame your request strategically:

  "With these increased responsibilities, I’d like to discuss a salary that reflects my contributions."

Final Thoughts: Take Charge of Your Career

If you’ve been promised a promotion but nothing has happened for too long, don’t just wait—take action. Advocate for yourself, set clear expectations, and be open to new opportunities if your company isn’t supporting your growth.