Why Getting Promoted Slower Can Sometimes Be an Advantage

If you’re someone who experiences imposter syndrome, anxiety, or overwhelm at work, you might find that receiving promotions at a slightly slower pace can be surprisingly beneficial in the long run.

If your performance shows you’re ready to move up—maybe you’re already performing above your current level or leadership openly recognizes your potential—don’t worry if your official promotion lags behind a bit. In the short term, it might feel frustrating, but over the long term, it can actually help you thrive.

Here’s why:

1️⃣ You can practice at the higher level while still being evaluated at the lower level. This extra time gives you a “safe space” to grow into your new responsibilities without the added pressure of immediately meeting every expectation that comes with a higher title.

2️⃣ You get to hone your skills and build confidence.
Feeling truly prepared for your next role is powerful. Developing that sense of conviction in your abilities is key, especially when it's backed up by tangible achievements and a proven track record of success.

It’s surprising how, even at the director, VP, or C-suite levels, not everyone is equally confident or effective. Building a solid foundation—and truly owning your role—can give you long-lasting confidence that’s hard to shake. That conviction becomes even more important the higher you climb.

It’s also worth noting that if you don’t recognize these advantages, you could end up quitting a good job out of frustration. While you can certainly find another position, being promotable and seen as a high performer is often tied to a company’s unique culture, environment, and internal dynamics. In fact, top performers at one organization can struggle at the next. Rebuilding momentum, support structures, and know-how around how promotions work can take well over a year in a new company. Because of this, it’s wise not to leave prematurely just because you feel demoralized about the timing of your promotion.

Remember, if you’re playing the long game in your career, an extra few months’ delay in getting promoted won’t matter much. If your strategy is to impress people superficially or “game” the system, then sure, timing and visibility become the focus. But for real, lasting success, a slightly slower promotion can ultimately make you more prepared, more confident, and more valuable once you officially step into your new role.

This article was originally published on my LinkedIn. It has been reposted here for archiving and wider accessibility.