Dissapointed…yet again

This post is a little long and is about me ranting, a lot. I won’t feel bad if you ignore it.

Our promotions and pay revisions for this year were announced. I was told I was going to get promoted this cycle. I even have a written proof (well, kind of) that I will most likely get promoted. I even got a very high recommendation from my onsite coordinator. My performance ratings for both mid-year and year-end cycles were the highest ratings anyone could ever get. Now what is wrong in expecting a promotion when you were told you were going to get it and also because you slog and work so hard?

After the promotions were announced I had people I knew from my previous projects mailing to congratulate me. I had to tell them that I am not promoted. Trust me every single person was shocked.

When my name was not in the promotion list, I wrote a mail to the HR head of India.

Hi,

I joined *** on Jan 22, 2007. I have been through 2 appraisals (mid-yr and year-end). I have got the highest rating both the times.
After the mid-year cycle, I was told that I would not be promoted as I have not completed 1 year in the company.

This time, the reason I have been given is that I do not have enough experience. My total experience is 30 months.

There are people who in spite of not performing that well have been promoted just because of the number of month’s experience.
Is that the only criteria to be considered while promoting? I wanted to know the role of ratings in the promotion cycle.

It is very de-motivating to slog so hard and still not been given a promotion.

It would be very helpful if you please let me know the criteria for the same.

Awaiting your reply.

She got back to me, gave me the contact of the promotion team and I spoke to a few people. The explanation? Well, the promotion quota was very less and strict this time due to recession, so we can do nothing about it.

When I got my salary revision letter, I was compelled to write a mail to the HR head gain.

Hi,

Sorry for bothering you again.
I had raised a concern regarding promotion last time. I was concerned about not getting promoted as it could affect the salary hike.

Now, after the salary hike, these are my primary worries:
1. My salary, after revision is **. It is almost equivalent to what fresher’s get today, in some cases even less. Considering I have an experience of more than 3 years, my salary should definitely be on the higher side.
2. I have been transferred from Pune to Bangalore. I have realized that the standard of living in Bangalore is much higher compared to Pune. So currently its more or less like living from paycheck to paycheck.

I had already spoken to ** regarding this.

As far as my knowledge, the next hike/ promotion will be in December, which is again a very long time. I know the explanation this time too is going to be strict rules and regulations. But I would also like to point out that one of the purpose of appraisals is also to adjust the pay structure based on market conditions. I don’t know of anyone who has a similar salary structure as mine unless they are underperformers.

I sincerely hope something comes out of this.

Please do get back.

As usual, she gets back saying that my salary is in line with the company standards and my work experience and ratings. Since when is the salary I get good for a 3 yr experienced? I seriously feel like shaking her and asking her this question. I can even give her proofs, hundreds of them. But I don’t want to get into any of this again. The only option I have is to resign. Only then will I get a good package which is line to my experience and my talent.

Now the result is I really don’t feel like working at all. Looks like there is no point if people get promoted just because of their experience.
I will update my resume on jobs sites when I am home, after my sister’s wedding. And I’ll start preparing for interviews.

The sad part is I really love this company and the work culture here. So it will be a shame if I have to leave just for the salary, or the lack of it.