A person works hard but often gets overlooked for promotions. How should they navigate this situation—should they speak up, change jobs, or change their approach?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist

It’s frustrating when you work hard but feel like no one notices. You might start questioning your worth, wondering if you should speak up, stay quiet, or even look for another job. Being ignored at work can make you doubt yourself, feel less motivated, and even cause burn out. But before you decide what to do, let’s see why this happens and how you can take charge of the situation.  

One reason could be an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ scenario. Sometimes, your hard work happens behind the scenes. If leaders don’t see it, they might not realize how much you’re contributing. Being good at your job isn’t always enough—you need to make sure others notice your efforts.  

Second would be you’re too modest. If you don’t like talking about your achievements, others might not know how much you’ve accomplished. While being humble is great, it can backfire if people who promote themselves get all the attention.  

Also, it happens when you doubt yourself. Do you feel like you’re not good enough for a promotion? This kind of self-doubt can stop you from speaking up, which makes it easier for others to overlook you.  

So, what can you do about it?  

First, it helps to understand Your Workplace. Pay attention to who gets promoted and why. Is it based on hard work, connections, or something else? Knowing this can help you figure out how to stand out.  

Next, show your achievements. Don’t assume people will notice your work. Keep a record of your successes—big projects, results you’ve delivered, and positive feedback. Share these in meetings or during performance reviews.  

Talk to your boss. Don’t wait for recognition—ask for it. Set up a meeting and say something like, “I want to grow here. What do I need to do to move up?” This shows you’re serious and opens the door for feedback.  

Work on building relationships. Get to know people outside your immediate team. Attend company events, connect with leaders, and ask for advice from senior colleagues. Networking can help you get noticed.  

If nothing works, then consider other options. If you’ve tried everything and still feel ignored, it might be time to look elsewhere. Finding a workplace that values your contributions can make a huge difference.  

Feeling overlooked doesn’t mean you’re not doing great work—it often means you need to adjust how you’re being seen. By understanding why this happens and taking steps to highlight your value, you can take control of your career.