Everyone is Getting Promoted!!

[LaramieWind]

How old are you? You should provide more context to get better answers. Does 5 more good years mean you're 60?

I am 65 now. Not ready for retirement just yet, it feels, empty to look towards not working. And yes I have a ton of things to do. Also planning on taking courses getting another degree. I will keep busy.

[LaramieWind]

The company handbook states "Its up to managers discretion". Its a utility with plenty of lawyers and well educated HR.

I guess they know you will not rock the boat then.

I have made inquires with HR, it did not go well. I have talked to a number of lawyers, nothing can be done. Ageism is very tough to prove in court, look it up.

If you are not going to seek a new job, and you are not going to push back on the company ...then what is the purpose of your post?

Looks like to complain...how is this thread actionable?

You are incorrect. It was to see how many others had similar stories. Never said I would not seek a new job, stated that I have pushed back vigorously.

[smitcat]

I guess they know you will not rock the boat then.

I have made inquires with HR, it did not go well. I have talked to a number of lawyers, nothing can be done. Ageism is very tough to prove in court, look it up.

If you are not going to seek a new job, and you are not going to push back on the company ...then what is the purpose of your post?

Looks like to complain...how is this thread actionable?

You are incorrect. It was to see how many others had similar stories. Never said I would not seek a new job, stated that I have pushed back vigorously.

In your other post you said you would have to move out of state for a new job - are you doing that search now?

FWIW - I had a story like that, I left the job.

[Jags4186]

How old are you? You should provide more context to get better answers. Does 5 more good years mean you're 60?

I am 65 now. Not ready for retirement just yet, it feels, empty to look towards not working. And yes I have a ton of things to do. Also planning on taking courses getting another degree. I will keep busy.

At 65 I’d have the clutch in so hard my foot might break through the floor. One thing about go getters is that they go get. You can go give.

[deserat]

How old are you? You should provide more context to get better answers. Does 5 more good years mean you're 60?

I am 65 now. Not ready for retirement just yet, it feels, empty to look towards not working. And yes I have a ton of things to do. Also planning on taking courses getting another degree. I will keep busy.

I will be 60 in 6 months and am very much anticipating 'retiring.'. However, I look at it as leaving the role of being an employee. I will assume that if you are here, you have or are on your way to financial independence in some form or fashion. That means you can be 'time' free in the sense that you don't have to have someone else dictate to you what to do with your time. That does not necessarily mean you won't work, it just means you can direct your time to things you value.

I will still consult on what I consider interesting projects-I will be paid. However, if it doesn't fit my schedule or is not interesting, I will not do it.

Your employer is indirectly to directly telling you they will not add to your current compensation. Frankly, you are probably more valuable in an expert advisory capacity offering overall wisdom versus 'sweat' or 'task' labor due to your experience and longevity. Going to school to learn something you have a true interest in is a good idea, too.

So, you can still work, just on your own terms, which may end up being a happier situation. You can leave the frustration, politics and day-to-day work culture behind and use your time and mind how you want.

As for ageism, it is probably there. I would tend to look at a more positive perspective (ie, I'm old enough to leave the employed workforce) and/or try to decide if it would be worth the time/money to try and change that at your particular workplace. As I've looked back on my different workplaces and careers, I've found I've forgotten about some of the frustrations and realize I am in a better place/situation for leaving that particular job/place. Looking back each five years can help one realize how much things have (or have not) changed.

Best of luck to you....

[Beensabu]

...if one is searching elsewhere, titles/positions, though largely irrelevant in my mind, will definitely open doors that would otherwise be closed at other companies.

They can also close them if you're not looking for a similar title/position.

Being a "lead" this, or a "director level" that, or a "principal" this, even if it's in name only for all intents and purposes, does carry clout.

Until the interview, when it becomes obvious it was mostly only a title.

The company I work for is promoting just about everyone in our department that is under 30 yo. What used to take 8 years they are now promoting in 3. That means older employees like myself are getting paid less, relativity speaking, despite our knowledge base. Are you experiencing the same or is your company increasing your salary accordingly? Any solutions beside threatening to quit? I still have 5 good years left in me. My lead told me the promotions are due to inflation, I reminded him that inflation is affecting me also.

OP. Forget about promotion. You are annoyed that younger employees are getting raises, while you are not. Would you consider yourself to be well paid? If nobody else was getting a raise, would you be happy with your compensation?

I used to get annoyed similarly. Not for age, but more like "that person is making X for what they actually do/accomplish/produce?!" But really, good for them. Now, I don't care (and don't want to know) what someone else makes. As long as I feel I am getting paid enough for the effort I'm putting in. More pay, more effort. Less pay, less effort. Avoiding the types of positions where less effort could result in actual harm to a person (physically or financially) - those will trap you into overwork.

I am 65 now. Not ready for retirement just yet, it feels, empty to look towards not working.

They're probably expecting you to retire any day now.

If you just want to work to work, then work. Does it matter if you get paid more than you currently are if you don't need it? Is it just being outraged on principle?

[will86]

They're probably expecting you to retire any day now.

Did you say earlier it was a utility company? expectations may differ from the private sector

[8foot7]

Is it possible you aren't as good at your job as you think you are? Or once were?

Quite frankly, as a manager, if I have a bunch of young upwardly mobile folks who I want to keep who are relatively underpaid, I'm probably tilting the pool of increase dollars I have toward them and away from a 65-year-old who probably is pulling in a comparably good salary.

[Mr. Buzzkill]

Old adage from the USSR:

“The bosses pretend to pay us, so we pretend to work”.

Quiet Quitting is a thing… doing the minimum to keep from being fired.

You can “quiet quit”, you can find a job with another company, or accept what might otherwise be sufficient money and benefits for reasonable workload with as much concern for the company as the company expresses for you.

Everyone in my department at MegaTech seems to be paid about the same, and we evenly split a bonus pool because we work as a team, but we are all mid-late career. We all could make make 20% more in base salary and *potentially* more in bonus and/or equity (assuming we hit new goals) if we jumped to a small startup from our large, stable employer.

But the hassle of changing, learning new technology, new company culture, etc. is not worth it at this point in our careers. Plus we are short-staffed, giving us more job security that we would have at VC-backed startups.

I’ve learned to be grateful for what I have, and to not focus on what others have, so I can avoid FOMO.

[4nursebee]

The company I work for is promoting just about everyone in our department that is under 30 yo. What used to take 8 years they are now promoting in 3. That means older employees like myself are getting paid less, relativity speaking, despite our knowledge base. Are you experiencing the same or is your company increasing your salary accordingly? Any solutions beside threatening to quit? I still have 5 good years left in me. My lead told me the promotions are due to inflation, I reminded him that inflation is affecting me also.

Had something similar 5 years ago when I was working.
I utilized my inner rage to drive my investment planning, choices, and actions. That is what I had control over.

[4nursebee]

Old adage from the USSR:

“The bosses pretend to pay us, so we pretend to work”.

Quiet Quitting is a thing… doing the minimum to keep from being fired.

You can “quiet quit”, you can find a job with another company, or accept what might otherwise be sufficient money and benefits for reasonable workload with as much concern for the company as the company expresses for you.

Everyone in my department at MegaTech seems to be paid about the same, and we evenly split a bonus pool because we work as a team, but we are all mid-late career. We all could make make 20% more in base salary and *potentially* more in bonus and/or equity (assuming we hit new goals) if we jumped to a small startup from our large, stable employer.

But the hassle of changing, learning new technology, new company culture, etc. is not worth it at this point in our careers. Plus we are short-staffed, giving us more job security that we would have at VC-backed startups.

I’ve learned to be grateful for what I have, and to not focus on what others have, so I can avoid FOMO.

Start of your post reminds me of the loser class as described here: https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2009/10/07/t ... he-office/

[tioscrooge]

At Megacorp, promotions are based on taking on different responsibilities, not knowledge base. DH has leveraged his knowledge base that they do not want to lose to go part time while resisting officially taking on more managerial tasks. They would have preferred to promote him, but can't unless he agrees to step into a leadership role.

If you want a promotion, ask your leadership what it would take. One thing that changes at a certain level in Megacorp is that you have to make an impression on the folks two levels above you, which the higher you get, the less interaction you have with folks that much higher.

I have been denied taking on different responsibilities, despite asking at every opportunity and seeing situations that needed attention. I have asked what can I do and they flat out will not answer.

A different perspective-

Do some introspection and ask yourself if you are the problem employee in this organization. Try to see from your manager’s viewpoint. Will that change your view of the situation?

[mrmass]

How old are you? You should provide more context to get better answers. Does 5 more good years mean you're 60?

I am 65 now. Not ready for retirement just yet, it feels, empty to look towards not working. And yes I have a ton of things to do. Also planning on taking courses getting another degree. I will keep busy.

I'm soon to be 61 and the younger people are getting the extra bumps, etc. ( though I did get a nice bump in January). I've accepted it and it can be humbling.

Think of a sports team. They slowly edge out the older players in favor of the younger ones. That old pitching arm aint what is used to be.

[TomatoTomahto]

Someone going from 0 to 3 years of experience *should* get promoted. A person with 3 years of experience is a lot more valuable than someone at entry level.

Someone with 30 years instead of 25, though, depends much more on what the person has spent the last 5 years doing. Most employees don’t grow and change much at that point, and promotions and salary increases will reflect that.

I don’t know OP, and having seen sexism and ageism (and some even more repulsive isms), I don’t want to assume anything. The isms exist.

I have also seen situations where someone with 30 years experience is really someone who has had 5 years of experience 6 times over; they have reached their maximum level. Promotions are often based on potential, being a suitable successor, or having leadership attributes.

[volleyballer]

Start of your post reminds me of the loser class as described here: https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2009/10/07/t ... he-office/

This essay should be required reading for all. So good!

[Watty]

How old are you? You should provide more context to get better answers. Does 5 more good years mean you're 60?

I am 65 now. Not ready for retirement just yet, it feels, empty to look towards not working. And yes I have a ton of things to do. Also planning on taking courses getting another degree. I will keep busy.

If you by any chance have a pension that is based on your final salary that could be part of the reason that you are not not getting raises. A modest raise now have a huge impact on the pension cost for the company.

Even if you delay retiring until you are 70 you will still have the same adjustment to do then but it could be even harder to do at that age.

[Yarlonkol12]

The company I work for is promoting just about everyone in our department that is under 30 yo. What used to take 8 years they are now promoting in 3. That means older employees like myself are getting paid less, relativity speaking, despite our knowledge base. Are you experiencing the same or is your company increasing your salary accordingly? Any solutions beside threatening to quit? I still have 5 good years left in me. My lead told me the promotions are due to inflation, I reminded him that inflation is affecting me also.

I don't think your going to have much luck with that angle you are trying.

Do you know what your market value is relative to what you are currently being paid?
How long have you been in your same role?
When is the last time you applied with other companies and received offers?

[Normchad]

At some point, you plateau. You shouldn’t expect raises after you plateau…..

[Beensabu]

Start of your post reminds me of the loser class as described here: https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2009/10/07/t ... he-office/

Yes! I love that thing. That is the single best write up on office/worker dynamics I have ever encountered. I aim to be a loser, as I once almost became a sociopath.

[miket29]

Any solutions beside threatening to quit? I still have 5 good years left in me. My lead told me the promotions are due to inflation, I reminded him that inflation is affecting me also.

A cynical guy I once worked with used to quip that the only job security anyone has is what they can offer their next employer. But there's a lot of truth in it. If you can get a job somewhere else then you have options. If not, well, they win.

I wouldn't try the threatening to quit gambit; if it's true as you suspect they're putting their faith in the under-30 crowd they might tell you that since you are unhappy they're letting you go.

[retire2022]

How old are you? You should provide more context to get better answers. Does 5 more good years mean you're 60?

I am 65 now. Not ready for retirement just yet, it feels, empty to look towards not working. And yes I have a ton of things to do. Also planning on taking courses getting another degree. I will keep busy.

One of my work colleague was passed away and was passed over at the job.

He was a disgruntled, he retired during the Great Recession.

He lived until 79 and he was able to be successful with partners post employment.

Best of luck.

[rob]

Start of your post reminds me of the loser class as described here: https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2009/10/07/t ... he-office/

Yes! I love that thing. That is the single best write up on office/worker dynamics I have ever encountered. I aim to be a loser, as I once almost became a sociopath.

Yeah - this is great... I didn't know someone had figured this out so well... but it mostly looks shockingly on the ball.

[KneeReplacementTutor]

Start of your post reminds me of the loser class as described here: https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2009/10/07/t ... he-office/

This essay should be required reading for all. So good!

+1 Possibly the best theory ever written.

[Joey Jo Jo Jr]

My lead told me the promotions are due to inflation, I reminded him that inflation is affecting me also.

Yeah, your cohort’s assets have inflated and now the younger cohort’s income is inflating as your cohort is more willing to throw money at them to do the things your cohort is less willing to do. In other words, yeah they might be paid more relative to older workers than when you came along, but it didn’t cost you as much to ascend to the older workers’ lifestyle back then either.

And yes I have nothing to back this up besides my general sense of things as someone in between both cohorts

[zincTwo]

...
At my job, the only solution was to tell them you had another job offer and that you planned on taking it. In that situation, my company MIGHT offer to match the offer to keep you. ... This was at a large technology company.

Perhaps we worked at the same company.

I don't like dealing with terrorists... those that will threaten to quit in order to gain more cash or a promo, and BYPASS the process where they are appropriately compared with their PEERs and rewarded on MERIT, not threats. (i.e. don't try to cut to the front of the line).

In two cases, I let them go... and the resulting team morale & unity was better for it.

I don't like companies that have a special budget to help "retain talent" for those that whine. Just allocate that extra money during the normal performance review process.

[Maverick3320]

OP,

Your job is your own business and no one else. Hence, you should ensure that you are compensated adequately for your effort. As for how much someone else is being paid, that is their business and not your problem.

KlangFool

So not paying women the same as men for the same job is OK with you?

Are we now talking gender discrimination? Originally your post implied this was age discrimination because you weren't getting promoted as fast as younger employees.

If your company is really this awful I would recommend leaving immediately.

[RobLyons]

I'm no lawyer but if the promotions are not available to you due to age, that sounds discriminatory. Promotions are open to all in my department and have recently gone to those under 30 up to those aged 50 or more.

[LaramieWind]

OP. Forget about promotion. You are annoyed that younger employees are getting raises, while you are not. Would you consider yourself to be well paid? If nobody else was getting a raise, would you be happy with your compensation?

My post was to see how common this practice was and how individuals dealt with it. Often people on this board have great solutions instead of mere snarkiness.

[smitcat]

OP. Forget about promotion. You are annoyed that younger employees are getting raises, while you are not. Would you consider yourself to be well paid? If nobody else was getting a raise, would you be happy with your compensation?

My post was to see how common this practice was and how individuals dealt with it. Often people on this board have great solutions instead of merely sneakiness.

I would fight it, or I would leave that is what we have done in the past.
What do you currently think your actionable move will be?

[6bquick]

...if one is searching elsewhere, titles/positions, though largely irrelevant in my mind, will definitely open doors that would otherwise be closed at other companies.

They can also close them if you're not looking for a similar title/position.

Being a "lead" this, or a "director level" that, or a "principal" this, even if it's in name only for all intents and purposes, does carry clout.

Until the interview, when it becomes obvious it was mostly only a title.

Sure, maybe. Two sides to every coin. My point was simply that just because YOU have zero regard for titles/positions, doesn't mean everyone else does. In fact, you should probably assume that everyone else does NOT have zero regard for them and your apathy towards them may end up costing you at some point.

[JayhawkGolfer]

Big difference between raises and promotions. Are you not getting any more raises? My company uses salary bands and at some point you could max out. For good employees, they usually add to the annual bonus to help offset and lost wages. Each year the salary bands increase around 2%, so historically they could keep up with inflation.
We have a lot of people getting promoted more quickly than 20 years ago. Not a lot of bench depth, so as opportunities arise some people are getting called up quicker. With no pensions and less roots for younger people (families, houses) I expect the trend to continue.

[bikesandbeers]

If you really want to be doing something new or with
have you thought about consulting? Either joining a firm or going out on your own? I both employ former utility staff and work with some who have started their own firms.

I am happy to hire 60+ year olds who have skill and insights valuable to my field. We also offer part time schedules for folks who want to ease into retirement

[quantAndHold]

OP. Forget about promotion. You are annoyed that younger employees are getting raises, while you are not. Would you consider yourself to be well paid? If nobody else was getting a raise, would you be happy with your compensation?

My post was to see how common this practice was and how individuals dealt with it. Often people on this board have great solutions instead of mere snarkiness.

I didn’t read that as snark. The younger employees who are getting promotions and raises are making less money than you are. I suspect you’d rather make the money you’re already making.

[Beensabu]

OP. Forget about promotion. You are annoyed that younger employees are getting raises, while you are not. Would you consider yourself to be well paid? If nobody else was getting a raise, would you be happy with your compensation?

My post was to see how common this practice was and how individuals dealt with it. Often people on this board have great solutions instead of mere snarkiness.

It wasn't intended as snark.

Personal cost-benefit analysis.

- you want a raise
- you're not getting a raise
- find new job that pays more
- would have to move out of state for new job

So either (1) you find a new job that pays more and move for it or (2) you accept that your pay has pretty much plateaued and finish out your career at current job.

Obviously, you want to keep your current job but get paid more. If you're already as highly paid as they're apparently willing to go for you at this time, then you get a different offer and hope your current employer makes a counter offer. But they might not.

If you got a better offer elsewhere that you had to move for, but you didn't want to move, and your employer didn't make a counter offer, what would you do? Take the new job or stay? If you chose to stay, would they let you?

If you would take the new job, then look for a new job and see what happens. If you would stay, then your current situation is worth more to you than higher pay elsewhere.

There's no point in getting stuck on comparisons or ageism. There are just the options available to you, and you decide which path you wish to follow.

If you want try to go the discrimination route, and you think you have a case, then go for it.

[simas]

...
At my job, the only solution was to tell them you had another job offer and that you planned on taking it. In that situation, my company MIGHT offer to match the offer to keep you. ... This was at a large technology company.

Perhaps we worked at the same company.

I don't like dealing with terrorists... those that will threaten to quit in order to gain more cash or a promo, and BYPASS the process where they are appropriately compared with their PEERs and rewarded on MERIT, not threats. (i.e. don't try to cut to the front of the line).

In two cases, I let them go... and the resulting team morale & unity was better for it.

I don't like companies that have a special budget to help "retain talent" for those that whine. Just allocate that extra money during the normal performance review process.

Same. Also, attitude is contagious, if person is bitter and hard to deal with (regardless of the reason) then it shows in their work and gets through feedback. the chain of command could only support it for so long before hearing, 'of cause it is your business and your decisions, however this is what our people are bringing to us' which is a huge alarm call.
I am older than my subordinates. I am also paid 2-3X what mid level engineer under me is paid as my responsibilities, experience, and deliverables are different. If they get more raises than me (given the difference of level and pay), awesome!! greatly support that and argue for that. why would it make me feel any inferior??

[miket29]

...
At my job, the only solution was to tell them you had another job offer and that you planned on taking it. In that situation, my company MIGHT offer to match the offer to keep you. ... This was at a large technology company.

I don't like dealing with terrorists... those that will threaten to quit in order to gain more cash or a promo, and BYPASS the process where they are appropriately compared with their PEERs and rewarded on MERIT, not threats. (i.e. don't try to cut to the front of the line).

Well, here's a story from the other side of the fence. First job out of college was at a large tech company. Got some smallish raises over a few years but eventually found a more interesting and much better paying job. Actually left for the more interesting work, the jump in salary was a pleasant surprise. Several years later there was a reunion picnic with people who worked in my division. Talking to one guy it turned out every 18mos or so he'd interview and get job offers to find out what market rate was, then go to his boss. They agreed to match and everyone was happy. Meanwhile dumb me had no idea of market rate so left tens of thousands of dollars over the years on the table by believing if you worked hard the company would treat you equitably. Now I know better.

[simas]

...
At my job, the only solution was to tell them you had another job offer and that you planned on taking it. In that situation, my company MIGHT offer to match the offer to keep you. ... This was at a large technology company.

I don't like dealing with terrorists... those that will threaten to quit in order to gain more cash or a promo, and BYPASS the process where they are appropriately compared with their PEERs and rewarded on MERIT, not threats. (i.e. don't try to cut to the front of the line).

Well, here's a story from the other side of the fence. First job out of college was at a large tech company. Got some smallish raises over a few years but eventually found a more interesting and much better paying job. Actually left for the more interesting work, the jump in salary was a pleasant surprise. Several years later there was a reunion picnic with people who worked in my division. Talking to one guy it turned out every 18mos or so he'd interview and get job offers to find out what market rate was, then go to his boss. They agreed to match and everyone was happy. Meanwhile dumb me had no idea of market rate so left tens of thousands of dollars over the years on the table by believing if you worked hard the company would treat you equitably. Now I know better.

Every corporate culture is different. what matters is the one applicable to you. In corps I have worked for such behavior would not result in any 'match' and would be responded with, if you want to leave -> please do yourself and us a favor and leave. end of story. by the way such behavior would also make your chain of command unwilling to invest in you so promotion, responsibilities, thing for your team, etc -foggedaboutit. if you are seriously interviewing elsewhere, you have just activated your succession plan and at that point, we would not be interested in anything coming from you.

[TheOscarGuy]

The company I work for is promoting just about everyone in our department that is under 30 yo. What used to take 8 years they are now promoting in 3. That means older employees like myself are getting paid less, relativity speaking, despite our knowledge base. Are you experiencing the same or is your company increasing your salary accordingly? Any solutions beside threatening to quit? I still have 5 good years left in me. My lead told me the promotions are due to inflation, I reminded him that inflation is affecting me also.

quit and get $$ elsewhere.
If you care enough to stay with the company for whatever reason offer them the option to match or beat.
Its a business transaction; if you won't look out for yourself no one else will.
In your position I would be seriously pissed. I am assuming all other things being equal -- i.e. you are not slacking at work, or younger co-workers aren't working twice as hard as others, for instance.

[steadyosmosis]

The company I work for is promoting just about everyone in our department that is under 30 yo. What used to take 8 years they are now promoting in 3. That means older employees like myself are getting paid less, relativity speaking, despite our knowledge base. Are you experiencing the same or is your company increasing your salary accordingly? Any solutions beside threatening to quit? I still have 5 good years left in me. My lead told me the promotions are due to inflation, I reminded him that inflation is affecting me also.

I noticed similar when I was working.
Fortunately I had reached financial independence.
Kept working as long as I enjoyed the job (maybe three more years).
When new assignments came that I disliked, I simply retired early.

[vitaflo]

OP. Forget about promotion. You are annoyed that younger employees are getting raises, while you are not. Would you consider yourself to be well paid? If nobody else was getting a raise, would you be happy with your compensation?

My post was to see how common this practice was and how individuals dealt with it. Often people on this board have great solutions instead of mere snarkiness.

It's very common place and is the norm, and I'd say it always has been. Once you get to 50 your prospects for advancement dwindle because you should have already gotten there by then. Not everyone gets to be a C-level executive.

If you really want to make more money the only real way to do this is to find a new job, and that's always been the case as well. Being a lifer at one company is not a way to collect maximum compensation. This is true for the 30 year olds as well. I suspect the smart ones are getting their quick promotion at your company and leaving for higher paying gigs with their shiny new title.

Of course maximizing compensation and title inflation isn't what everyone strives for in their careers but if you want it that's how the game is played.

[tyrion]

The company I work for is promoting just about everyone in our department that is under 30 yo. What used to take 8 years they are now promoting in 3. That means older employees like myself are getting paid less, relativity speaking, despite our knowledge base. Are you experiencing the same or is your company increasing your salary accordingly? Any solutions beside threatening to quit? I still have 5 good years left in me. My lead told me the promotions are due to inflation, I reminded him that inflation is affecting me also.

I am also about 5 years out, although younger than you in my early 50s. I'm seeing others get some promotion opportunities that weren't necessarily available to me, but at the same time I'm pretty sure they weren't something I would want. I'm at the individual contributor level and would like to stay here. No managing other employees (remotely), no thanks!

In this last era of my career, I decided to figure out what I could do to make the company successful. Small but meaningful things I've noticed over the years. Then from that what subset of work would I find enjoyable? Then how do I go about maneuvering myself into a situation where I can do that type of work?

So yeah I think you need to look at it from the company's perspective as well. Why would they give you additional responsibilities when you're nearing the twilight of your career and would need to be replaced in X years anyway? But if you can frame it as a situation where you will use your deep historical knowledge and work with younger employee Y to come up with a new process that's an improvement on the way you do things, then that's something the company might be interested in.

So that's my advice. I figured the worst that could happen is they would fire me and things would be a bit lean until I could find another job. I have a lot of valuable background in the systems we use that may or not be applicable to another company, so I'm not super interested in starting over. But I would like to finish things out doing work I enjoy, so it was a worthwhile gamble to me. I did have a good relationship with my department leadership so that helped that I was able to speak plainly about my goals. But always making sure to frame it in a way that's good for the organization.

[dogagility]

The best time to find a job is when you have a job.

[faanger101]

The company I work for is promoting just about everyone in our department that is under 30 yo. What used to take 8 years they are now promoting in 3. That means older employees like myself are getting paid less, relativity speaking, despite our knowledge base. Are you experiencing the same or is your company increasing your salary accordingly? Any solutions beside threatening to quit? I still have 5 good years left in me. My lead told me the promotions are due to inflation, I reminded him that inflation is affecting me also.

Just google for 'punishing for being loyal'. The world has changed a lot

[guyfromct]

OP if everyone is getting promoted, maybe it’s you. If you’re in a role with decades younger colleagues, I have to ask why. Usually those who are technically excellent either have long ago moved to management, since you said you’re 65, or have some senior individual contributor role.

[sleepy06]

I've had some success with framing it as this is the comp I want and what do you need me to do to get there.
Have to play the long game.
It won't be a "hey, these kids got raises and I didn't."
It's more of a what do you need me to do, spend a year making it happen, and collect increased pay/promotion if successful.
If they won't give any ways to get paid more or do not honor their word, also a sign it's time to look elsewhere.
Consistently getting outside offers to raise comp would not be looked at favorably at my org. May work once or twice but may send the wrong signals.
Maybe if that is culturally appropriate there and everyone is doing it, it's a different story.

[tesuzuki2002]

If you cant get a raise and you dont want to leave your current company, you can always be a true patriot and do the minimum needed to keep your job.

I work when I'm there... but I am taking a lot of time off this year... since there wasn't any incentive to increase pay... Honestly part of the time of is being spend working other gigs I have picked up so that was my alternative...

[Clemblack]

How old are you? You should provide more context to get better answers. Does 5 more good years mean you're 60?

I am 65 now. Not ready for retirement just yet, it feels, empty to look towards not working. And yes I have a ton of things to do. Also planning on taking courses getting another degree. I will keep busy.

I could not imagine being 65 and caring one single ounce about a promotion for myself or anyone else at my company. Same for others' salaries.

[cheese_breath]

I guess they know you will not rock the boat then.

I have made inquires with HR, it did not go well. I have talked to a number of lawyers, nothing can be done. Ageism is very tough to prove in court, look it up.

If you are not going to seek a new job, and you are not going to push back on the company ...then what is the purpose of your post?

Looks like to complain...how is this thread actionable?

You are incorrect. It was to see how many others had similar stories. Never said I would not seek a new job, stated that I have pushed back vigorously.

Might as well face reality then. The people they want to keep get promotions. The people they don't care if they leave don't get promotions. Push back ain't gonna change it.

[LaramieWind]

Is it possible you aren't as good at your job as you think you are? Or once were?

Quite frankly, as a manager, if I have a bunch of young upwardly mobile folks who I want to keep who are relatively underpaid, I'm probably tilting the pool of increase dollars I have toward them and away from a 65-year-old who probably is pulling in a comparably good salary.

Not a chance. I am doing more and am more successful than ever.

[LaramieWind]

How old are you? You should provide more context to get better answers. Does 5 more good years mean you're 60?

I am 65 now. Not ready for retirement just yet, it feels, empty to look towards not working. And yes I have a ton of things to do. Also planning on taking courses getting another degree. I will keep busy.

I could not imagine being 65 and caring one single ounce about a promotion for myself or anyone else at my company. Same for others' salaries.

My concern if for my salary. Since the company has the $$$ to throw around, I want it thrown my way. At my company Promotion = more dollars.