How to Move Up in Your Career Faster
Why Does Your Less Experienced Co-worker Earn More Money Than You?
Introduction: Facing the Frustration
As a professional senior manager and leader in a high-tech industry, such as a space research technology organization, I have had the privilege of observing the career growth of thousands of professionals over the past 50 years. With vast experience in guiding individuals through their career journeys, I have seen what truly works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to climbing the corporate ladder. Through this article, I am sharing valuable insights and lessons from my personal experience to help young professionals navigate their career paths with confidence and clarity.
I want to discuss something many of you have experienced. Have you ever found yourself looking at a co-worker with less experience than you, or maybe they’re not as skilled, and yet they’re getting paid more? Or worse, they’re the ones getting promoted while you feel stuck.
It’s confusing and frustrating and can make you question your worth at work. But here’s the thing — this situation is more common than you think, and there are reasons why it happens.
And the good news is, there’s a lot you can do to change it
Lesson 1: Don’t Make Yourself Indispensable
One of the most common advice I heard when starting was, “Make yourself indispensable at work.”
If you do your job well and your boss depends on you, you’ll always have job security. But let me tell you, this advice can backfire as you move further in your career.
If you make yourself irreplaceable, your boss might keep you exactly where you are because they can’t afford to lose you. They don’t want to promote you because replacing you would be too hard.
Think about it — if your boss needs you in your current role, why would they move you up? Sometimes, they’d even need two people to do what you’re doing alone!
Instead of focusing only on doing your current job perfectly, think about how you can grow beyond it.
Learn new skills, take on different responsibilities, and make sure your boss knows you’re not just here to stay in one place. You want to move forward.
Lesson 2: Ask for More Responsibility
Here’s something important to understand — your boss isn’t always thinking about your career progression.
Most of the time, they’re focused on their work, their own goals, and how they can get ahead. So, if you’re waiting for them to come to you with new opportunities or promotions, you could be waiting a long time.
If you feel ready for more, don’t stay silent. Speak up! Go to your boss and say, “I’ve been thinking about how I can contribute more to the team.”
Are there any challenging projects or additional responsibilities I can take on?” When you show that you’re eager for more, you’re showing your boss you’re serious about your growth.
And if your boss is supportive and offers you these opportunities, great! But if they hesitate or avoid giving you more, that could be a sign that they’re not interested in your progress, and it might be time to consider other options.
Lesson 3: Invest in Your Learning
One thing that holds people back is relying too much on what their company offers regarding training or development. Yes, many companies have learning programs, but they’re usually very general. They’re not tailored to you, your specific needs, or the goals you want to achieve in your career.
It’s up to you to take control of your own learning and development. Start by researching the skills that are needed for the roles you want to move into. What will you need to succeed in those positions?
Maybe it’s leadership skills, maybe it’s technical knowledge, or maybe it’s something else. Once you identify those skills, go after them! There are endless resources available — YouTube videos, online courses, podcasts, and books.
Some of these are free, and some are paid, but investing in yourself is one of the best decisions you can make for your career.
By continually learning and growing, you’re making yourself more valuable, not just to your current company but to any company that might hire you in the future.
Lesson 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Pay Raise
Now, let’s talk about something many people feel uncomfortable doing — asking for a pay raise. How many of you have ever gone to your boss and directly asked for more money?
It might feel awkward, but here’s the reality: you probably won’t get it if you don’t ask.
I’ve seen so many people who work hard and consistently perform well, but they never ask for a raise. And you know what happens? The company is pleased to keep paying them the same salary year after year.
Why? Because it’s easier for them. They won’t offer more unless you clarify that you deserve it.
If you’ve been in your role for at least 12 months, doing your job well, and becoming an important part of your team, then it’s time to start thinking about a pay raise.
Go to your boss, present your case, and show them the value you bring to the company. And if you’re truly indispensable, you can even use that as leverage. But remember, this only works if you ask.
Lesson 5: Navigating Office Politics
We all know that office politics exist, and sometimes it feels like promotions aren’t based on merit but on who knows the right people or who plays the game well.
It can be frustrating to see someone who’s not as skilled as you get ahead because they’re friendly with the boss or they know how to flatter the right people.
While you don’t have to play dirty politics, it’s important to understand that building good relationships at work can help you. This means supporting your boss, helping them succeed, and aligning your goals with theirs.
If you can show that you’re on the same team and working towards the same objectives, you’ll be in a better position to grow in your career.
Lesson 6: Show Leadership Before You Get Promoted
Here’s something not everyone realizes — promotions don’t happen just because you’ve been at a company for a long time. Promotions happen when management sees that you’re already demonstrating the skills needed for the next role.
If you want to move into a leadership position, start acting like a leader now. Take initiative, solve problems, and show that you’re capable of handling bigger responsibilities.
The more you can demonstrate these abilities in your current role, the more likely management trusts that you’ll succeed in the next one.
Lesson 7: Don’t Rely on Verbal Promises
How many times has your boss promised you a promotion or a pay raise, only to push it back repeatedly? “In six months,” they say. “When the time is right.” But those six months keep passing, and nothing changes.
If this happens to you more than once, it’s a sign that those promises aren’t going to materialize. You need to protect yourself.
If your boss isn’t delivering on their promises, it might be time to start looking for other opportunities where your skills and ambitions will be recognized and rewarded.
Lesson 8: Mastering the Job Interview
Finally, let’s talk about something that can make a huge difference in your career — how you sell yourself in job interviews.
The people who get promoted and earn more money often know how to present themselves in the best light during interviews.
Before you go into any interview, whether for a new job or a promotion, ensure you’re fully prepared. Know exactly what skills and experiences you bring to the table.
Be ready to discuss your accomplishments and how you can add value to the company. Don’t assume the interviewer knows everything about you — it’s your job to sell yourself.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Career
Your career is in your hands. Don’t wait for someone else to notice your hard work or to offer you the opportunities you deserve.
Be proactive, take control of your own learning and development, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth.
If you do, you’ll start to see the progress you’ve been hoping for and be on the path to earning the money and promotions you deserve. Thank you!
