Reddit: AITA for Requesting a Promotion and Quitting When Denied?
AITA for requesting a promotion, then quitting when denied? Colleagues divided over OP's decision to prioritize self-worth over loyalty.
A 28-year-old woman asked for a promotion after five years of consistently going above and beyond, and when her boss said “budget” and “next fiscal year,” she didn’t just wait around.
She scheduled a meeting, laid out her wins, and even tried again a week later after she landed a higher-paying job at a competitor. That part is what makes this messy: she returned to her boss to see if they would match the offer, and they still wouldn’t budge. Then she quit on the spot, leaving colleagues to deal with the fallout.
Now Reddit is split on whether she stood up for herself or acted selfishly.
Original Post
I (28F) have been working at my company for five years. Recently, I felt ready for a promotion.
I had consistently exceeded expectations, taken on extra projects, and even worked overtime without complaint. So, I scheduled a meeting with my boss to discuss a possible promotion.
During the meeting, I presented my case confidently, detailing my accomplishments and dedication to the company. However, my boss seemed dismissive and mentioned budget constraints and the need for me to wait for the next fiscal year.
I was disappointed but understanding. A week later, I was offered another job at a competitor with a higher position and salary.
Feeling undervalued and unappreciated, I went back to my boss and explained the situation, hoping they would reconsider. To my surprise, my boss was still unwilling to offer a promotion or match the competitor's offer.
Feeling frustrated and unappreciated, I decided to quit on the spot and take the new job. Now, some colleagues are calling me selfish for leaving the team in a tough spot and causing extra work for them.
Others support my decision, saying I stood up for myself. So, Reddit, AITA for asking for a promotion and then quitting when denied?
She explains that by adopting this mindset, professionals can better navigate workplace dynamics and build resilience when faced with setbacks. This approach can lead to more constructive discussions about career paths, ultimately fostering a healthier work environment.
Comment from u/KeyboardWarrior007
Comment from u/CoffeeAddict_87
Comment from u/SaltySweets
After five years of extra projects and overtime, her boss still told her to wait for the next fiscal year, and that’s where the tension started.
It's essential for individuals to recognize their value and articulate it effectively, especially when discussing promotions.
Comment from u/SunshineDreamer
Comment from u/AdventureSeeker99
Comment from u/BookLover2000
The plot thickened when she got a better offer from a competitor, then went back to the same boss to ask them to reconsider.
Also, it echoes the OP who reported a colleague for harassment, even after warnings.
It's vital to manage expectations in the workplace.
Comment from u/RamenConnoisseur
Comment from u/MarvelFanatic3000
Comment from u/CatWhisperer
That second conversation, where her boss refused to match the competitor’s position and salary, is what pushed her over the edge.
Business leadership expert Simon Sinek explains that understanding the 'why' behind career decisions is crucial. When individuals prioritize their self-worth over loyalty, it can signal a need for personal alignment with organizational values.
Sinek advises that employees should engage in regular self-assessment to ensure their roles align with their passions and values. This clarity can lead to more informed decisions about seeking promotions or, if necessary, moving on to environments that better meet their aspirations.
Comment from u/NatureLover42
Once she quit on the spot, coworkers stepped in to call her selfish for leaving the team scrambling with extra work.
What would you do in this situation? Share your opinion in the comments.
In the context of career advancement, the Reddit user's experience highlights the importance of self-awareness and adaptability.
It sounds like this situation taps into some key psychological factors, like self-worth and the need for validation. When the Reddit user felt undervalued after their promotion request was denied, it likely triggered a sense of frustration that pushed them to take a bold step for their own career growth. In a competitive job market, prioritizing self-advocacy isn't just about ambition; it's also about recognizing one's value and aligning with environments that respect and nurture that worth.
Quitting right after a “budget constraints” rejection might feel justified, but it definitely made the office mad.
For another office standoff, see what happened when this employee chose mental health over overtime.
