Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
    • Business Bites
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • All Woman
  • Career & Education
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Classifieds
  • Design Week
Career & Education
December 1, 2018

Should I wait for a promotion, or just quit?

Dear Career Advisor:

Over the course of the last seven years in my present job, I have not got a promotion, although there has been an increase in my responsibilities and very meagre salary adjustments. I am beginning to feel as if I am in a dead-end situation as everything is now routine. Don’t get me wrong; I love my job, as I primarily deal directly with clients, with most of whom I’ve developed an excellent professional relationship. But I feel as if I’m not progressing. What do you suggest I do? Ask for a promotion, or change jobs?

Yours truly,

L J

Dear L J:

For some employees, remaining in the same job function and at the same organisation is no issue. For others, it can lead to levels of frustration, demotivation, and in extreme cases, decrease in productivity. It has been said that the average worker will change jobs five or more times during his working life. Often, a good way to increase your earning potential and increase responsibility, inclusive of promotion in rank, is to change jobs. This must, however, be done after careful consideration.

Opportunities for career advancement can often be found both within and outside of your organisation. Begin by finding out if your organisation has a promotion-from-within policy. Such a policy is often used as a means of rewarding loyal workers for service and for excellent performance.

For promotions and job advancement to be meaningful, they must be earned. Solicit feedback from your supervisors as to how they perceive the value you bring to the company. Assess the circumstances as to the scope or likelihood of you being promoted within your organisation.

Small organisations often do not have many opportunities for promotion and when opportunities do arise, there is often a very long waiting period. Bear in mind, too, that many technical and task-specific functions although allowing for higher earnings, often do not provide ready scope for promotion and may require you to seek further training to position yourself for promotion.

Indeed, it might be time to assess and plan your future career path. Consider avenues and strategies for promotion. Begin thinking about positions you would enjoy serving in and the things you enjoy doing.

Do a self-assessment in respect of the following issues:

i. Knowledge of job functions and requirements.

ii. Quality and quantity of your job performance

iii. People skills (interpersonal, leadership, motivational, etc.)

iv. Employability skills (teamwork, problem-solving, initiative, etc.)

v. Experience from related jobs or transferrable skills

vi. Education and training – relevant to the position you are seeking to fill.

Begin with analysing where you are in respect of each of the above. If your current performance has not positioned you for a promotion, you should consider retraining and retooling to enhance your chances for promotion or for new opportunities. Your reasons for changing job should always be from a positive outlook.

Remember, nothing is beyond your reach for achievement once you are willing to commit to further education and training. Always aim of excellence.

Sincerely,

Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president of student services at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit your questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

JAAA names powerful team for World Relays
Latest News, Sports
JAAA names powerful team for World Relays
April 15, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — World Athletics Championships medallists Oblique Seville, Kishane Thompson and Tina Clayton have been included in a powerful team ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
ODPEM reports more than $1.4 b in donations following passage of Hurricane Melissa
Latest News, News
ODPEM reports more than $1.4 b in donations following passage of Hurricane Melissa
April 15, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that it has received more than $1.4 billion in d...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
In pictures: Another glimpse at Sunrise Breakfast Party
Entertainment, Latest News, Lifestyle
In pictures: Another glimpse at Sunrise Breakfast Party
April 15, 2026
Between the pulsating rhythms and live performances, Sunnation's Sunrise Breakfast Party offered the perfect prelude to the Carnival Sunday madness. W...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
YouTube suspends pro-Iran channel posting Lego-style clips mocking Trump
International News, Latest News
YouTube suspends pro-Iran channel posting Lego-style clips mocking Trump
April 15, 2026
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — YouTube has terminated a channel belonging to a pro-Iran group producing viral Lego-themed AI videos that ridicule U...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
The White Lotus starts filming season 4 in France
International News, Latest News
The White Lotus starts filming season 4 in France
April 15, 2026
LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — The highly anticipated fourth season of "The White Lotus" has begun filming on the French Riviera, HBO announced We...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Police fast-track shooting incident involving Jaii Frais
Latest News, News
Police fast-track shooting incident involving Jaii Frais
April 15, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Police say investigations are being fast-tracked into Sunday night’s shooting at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, as popul...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Forex: $159.27 to one US dollar
Latest News
Forex: $159.27 to one US dollar
April 15, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Wednesday, April 15, ended trading at $159.27 down 5 cents, according to the Bank of Jamaica’s da...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Jason Pitter’s rise to fame
Latest News, Sports
Jason Pitter’s rise to fame
April 15, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Rising star Jason Pitter is a coach’s dream, having moved his 400m personal best from 50 seconds to 45 seconds in two years. The 15-...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct