Wait 6 more months for a promotion?
What to do when you are told to "be patient" and wait for the next promotion cycle (and the cycle after that...)
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"Just wait 6 more months…we are putting you (back) up for promotion next cycle!"
Many people have faced this frustration.
Often this "just wait" guidance is coupled with a lack of feedback:
"You are doing great, just keep doing what you are doing."
Of course everyone wants clear feedback, a path to address it, and a clear timeline.
And you should want that.
But more commonly the answer is a variation of “There isn’t a need for more senior people right now, so be patient…”
Hence the choice of how you must think about it.
Four actions for you to take:
1. Careers are long
Six months seems like a long time, but in a 30+ year career, it is actually not a big deal.
If there really is a good chance of moving up in six months, it may be worth waiting.
For example, Amazon has only 5 levels between new college graduate engineer and Vice President. So in a 30 year career, it might be 6 years between levels (it took me six years to go from Director to VP). Waiting an extra 6 months to make one of these major steps may be worth it.
My point is, we have to balance our frustration with the benefits.
Being hasty and impatient can be both unrealistic and costly.
2. Do you have a better option?
Can you go elsewhere and get what you want today?
I have seen many people grow their careers by switching jobs as soon as they become blocked. If you can find a better job, where you get the new role immediately, then it is reasonable to take it.
I have also seen many people (perhaps more people) set themselves back by moving.
They let frustration get the best of them and they take a lateral move to a company that they hope is higher growth, or for a manager who promises them the possibility of quick promotion.
Often those are empty promises.
Perhaps the manager means well, but once there, they want to see you perform and earn trust, usually for about two years, before acting. Reference this archived article on how to find a great manager.
Bottom line: Move only if the new job is actually better today (and discount future promises).