Sometimes, job promotions take longer than we expect. If you expected to be promoted this year but were disappointed, it can be hard not to get discouraged.
Here are some things you can do to boost your career while waiting for that next step up.
1. Don’t Lose Your Cool
Don’t blame anyone. You might be tempted to point the finger at someone else, but this isn’t productive.
Instead, take responsibility for your own actions and figure out how you can improve for next time.
Don’t get angry or aggressive. If you’re feeling upset about not getting the position, try to keep it together and not lash out at anyone else.
Your coworkers will notice if they’ve been promoted while someone they work with is acting bitter and angry at them. Keep calm and professional in all your interactions with others until things cool down a bit internally.
2. Refocus Your Energy
If you don’t get the promotion you wanted, take a step back and refocus your energy.
Here are several ways to help get yourself back on track:
- Take a walk. This can be a great way to clear your head and give yourself some space from whatever is bothering you at work or home.
- Take some time off. If possible, use up any vacation days that may be coming due soon so that they don’t go unused this year.
- Go out with friends instead of working more hours at the office; do something fun in your free time!
It will help take things off your mind while still keeping busy during downtimes, making us feel better about ourselves and increasing productivity overall.
3. Find a Mentor
A mentor has the knowledge and experience to help you succeed. They may also be able to help you get to your next professional level. They can help with career development, networking, and resume building.
Not sure where to start looking for mentors?
Read this article on identifying potential mentors within your network (or even in your office).
4. Learn From Someone Who’s Been There
If you don’t get the promotion or raise you were hoping for, it can be a good idea to talk to someone who has been in your shoes.
There are some strange emotions that you cycle through during this trying time. It’s comforting to know that you aren’t alone.
Ask them about their experience and what they did to overcome this lull. If they’re willing, ask them to share any tips or advice that might help you prepare for the next time around.
5. Get to The Heart of The Matter
Now that you’ve taken some time to think about it ask yourself why you didn’t get the promotion.
Is it because someone else was more qualified or had more experience?
Are there skills or experiences that could help you land a promotion in the future?
And are there other ways of achieving your heart’s desires in your current role?
Use the answer to these questions to improve your situation. The important thing is not to let disappointment get in the way of learning from this experience and moving forward with a positive attitude.
6. Consider Going It Alone
If you feel that your boss’ answer to your request for a promotion is unfair, try to be as diplomatic as possible.
If it’s clear that there’s no way to work things out with him or her, consider going it alone.
Try freelancing instead. Freelancers often make just as much money—if not more—than employees with similar skill sets.
Freelancers can set their own hours and aren’t beholden to anyone else’s schedule but their own. They also tend not to have as many expenses either because they don’t need any office space or equipment purchases.
7. Be Patient and Take Your Time
Don’t rush into any decisions, and don’t let the disappointment of not getting promoted get you down.
Take a few days or even weeks to think about the situation and consider all of your options before making a choice about whether or not to move on from your current job.
If having someone else’s perspective on this situation would be helpful, ask around and see if anyone has some advice for you (or even just wants to listen).
Ask for feedback from your boss about what you can do better so that you will have a better chance of landing the promotion in the future.
Conclusion
You’ve put a lot of hard work into your job search. That means you deserve to be rewarded with the right job for you. A contract review from Physicians Thrive can help ensure that you get what you deserve.
If it doesn’t happen this time, don’t lose hope! The key is to keep applying and learning from each experience until you find that perfect fit.
