Feeling Stuck in My Career: How Can I Break Free from a 7-Year Promotion Stalemate?

I joined the company in October 2005. In 2007, I was promoted to Deputy Manager. I have been stuck at the Deputy Manager position for the last seven years. When I was not promoted last year, I met with the HR head to understand what is lacking in me, my shortcomings, and how I can improve and overcome them. I was informed that I did not perform well in the interview. It is possible that I felt confused during the short span of the interview. This time, I believe I performed well in the interview. I feel very unfortunate to be stagnating at level 12 for the past seven years. Even diploma holders have been promoted to Manager while I, holding a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial and Production, have not been promoted. It is demoralizing to see a colleague who recently joined as a Deputy Manager already promoted to Manager.

I was sponsored by the company for a two-year, part-time MBA course at MDI Gurgaon in 2010. I obtained my MBA degree with good grades. However, I have not received any recognition for this degree regarding my promotion. Instead, a monthly deduction is being made from my pay for undertaking this course.

I have 12.5 years of experience and hold an MBA and a B.E. degree, yet I have remained at the Deputy Manager position for the past seven years. Someone with the same experience and qualifications who joins the company laterally is offered a minimum level of Senior Manager. It is frustrating that the company has not acknowledged my experience or qualifications. My grades have been affected after pursuing a company-sponsored part-time MBA from MDI Gurgaon.

What should I do? Please help me find a solution.

After going through your post, I am convinced that you have wasted a lot of time in this organization. Move out as early as possible. There is no future for you in your current organization. I also went through a similar situation. I was sponsored for a full-time MBA with salary, perks, and all other educational expenses. I also received the same treatment as you, except that I didn't attend any interviews. In fact, I was the only person with an MBA at that point. Fresh MBAs were recruited and placed as deputy managers, and after two years, they were promoted to managers. Once my three-year bond ended, I resigned after 12 years of service. Now, I am the Director of Administration of a company. The longer you stay with this organization, the fewer your chances will be of finding a job elsewhere.

I wish you all the best. If required, you may contact me at [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons].

You can leave the company, but only after paying back the amount invested by the company in your MBA program. If the company has already recovered a part of it, you can pay the remaining amount and get relieved. As Nair has pointed out, you have already spent a significant amount of time in the company. Continuing in the same position may work against you. However, considering the effort taken to send you for higher education, I don't think the establishment is that bad. Also, there is no scope for challenging this case before the Labor Court. If you are not satisfied with the company, you can take leave. In this case, how will the court assist you?

Regards,
Madhu.T.K

Yours is a sad story. There are many like you, trapped.

Did You Sign a Bond for Your MBA Program?

What are the terms? Send in your notice to resign and see what the company has to say. You can mention that you have been sidelined for promotions because people with the same or fewer qualifications have been selected. Maybe there will be a court case; be ready for it. In India, bonds are illegal, and seven years in the same post with new entrants with equal qualifications in higher positions is good grounds for you to claim harassment and victimization.

All the best. Give notice and quit. Join the new company but take them into confidence.

Sekar... I am also a victim of a bond, but I am still fighting it.