Is It Wrong To Ask For A Promotion?

Question

I ask because at my job my boss will decided that she needs to promote someone to fill a job and she will ask them. Well I wanted to be promoted a few years ago and I asked her, (no one had ever done that before apparently.) When I asked she said yes and it was a good idea. After a year I asked for another promotion (no monetary raise just a different/better job) and again she said yes, good idea. Up to this point I have been doing good work and working hard. Well I was talking with one of my coworkers the other day about another type of promotion (she wants to learn how to do a better job) and I said she should ask our boss and the coworker flew off the handle saying how rude and disrespectful it was to ask like that (she knew I did that and was saying it to make me feel bad) she said that our boss chooses us and how could anyone ask such a thing. It made me feel like because I asked I didn't earn the promotion like the others. Was I wrong to ask? Did I earn it?

That's what I thought! I wanted more responsibilities and I wanted to show initiative but everyone else has just waited and was asked to take the jobs. I don't think she is the only one who feels that because I asked I am not at the same level as them. I want to say that I don't care what she thinks and to a certain extent that is true but I know it does bother me. Is it rude or tactless to do what I did?

I wouldn't say she is jealous, she is at the same level as me and has been doing it longer. Some of the side projects I have done she was asked to do but wasn't interested in (once again I had to ask for those projects.) I just don't know if its a bad thing that I keep having to ask to get the promotion or projects and she (or some of the other people at my level) are asked first. I know I work hard and I think I have proved that I deserve to be where I am but I cant help like feeling that I am second best or something.

Answer 1

There is nothing wrong with asking for a promotion. Sometimes your boss doesn't know you are interested in the new position, or isn't fully aware of your accomplishments that would qualify you for the new position. Sounds like your co-worker is insecure! Even your boss can't know everything you can do until you tell him or her! You earned the position, because if the boss didn't think you were capable, you wouldn't have gotten the job. Ignore that joykiller, and keep working hard.

Answer 2

Ask when you think you have earned it. If you know you didn't earn one ask your boss how you can earn one or figure out what you need to do then do it, then tell the boss you did it.
I don't want promoted, if they tried it I would quit. The only job above mine is VP of Finance it doesn't look fun. He will be 65 this year and said I was in line for his job, I really really don't want it. If he retires I will quit.

Answer 3

Of course you earned it, if your boss gave you that promotion she wasnt doing it just because you were sitting on ur butt all day. Your co-worker is just jealous of your achievements. I'd say don't worry about what she says and stick to your ways, its obvously working! If you weren't a hardworker I doubt you would keep getting promoted.

Answer 4

if you dont ask chance are the employer thinks you are happy in your current position. Always ask for new responsibilities if you want to move up.