Chasing Raises That Never Come—Are You the Fool in This Story?

Picture this: a weary worker, eyes glued to a computer screen, clinging to the faint glow of a promise—someday, the big raise will come. It’s a scene straight out of a workplace drama, complete with the dangling carrot of “future rewards” that never seem to ripen. The original poster (OP) on Reddit spilled their frustration about employers who swear the budget’s tight now but swear a jackpot awaits… eventually. Sound familiar? It’s a tale as old as cubicles.

The sting of it hits hard—loyalty poured into a job, only to watch the finish line sprint further away. Readers on Reddit didn’t hold back, their comments buzzing with a mix of cynicism and hard-earned wisdom. The emotion here? A cocktail of hope soured by betrayal, and a collective nod that maybe, just maybe, it’s time to stop waiting for the carrot and start planting your own garden.

‘LPT If a company says, I can’t pay you too much now, but if you stick around you’ll be greatly rewarded…. Leave. They’ll just dangle it like a carrot if you want a promotion’

Promises of future rewards often turn into endless waiting. Employers who genuinely value your work will compensate you fairly from the start. If they claim there’s no budget now but assure you of great things “down the line,” chances are, that line will keep moving further away.

Loyalty is valuable, but it should go both ways. Many companies use this tactic to keep employees motivated without actually committing to raises or promotions. They dangle the promise of future rewards like a carrot, always just out of reach. Meanwhile, your skills grow, your workload increases, and yet—somehow—the reward never quite materializes.

A company that truly sees your worth won’t make you chase empty promises. If they can’t afford you now, they likely won’t later, either. Your time and talent are valuable—don’t let them be strung along.

OP’s story is a neon sign flashing “proceed with caution.” Letting your career hinge on vague promises is like betting on a horse that’s already limping. Companies can talk a big game, but if they’re not paying you fairly now, don’t hold your breath for later. It’s a power play—keeping you hooked without shelling out.

This tug-of-war pits the OP’s loyalty against the employer’s evasiveness. The OP wants recognition; the company wants cheap labor. It’s not evil—just business. But here’s the kicker: as your value grows, their excuses don’t. Dr. John Sullivan, a talent management expert, once said in a Forbes article, “If a company can’t invest in you today, they’re unlikely to tomorrow—top performers don’t wait for promises to mature.” He’s spot-on—OP’s stuck chasing a mirage.

Zoom out, and it’s a bigger mess: 63% of U.S. workers feel underpaid, per a 2023 PayScale report (link: payscale.com/research). Employers lean on “future rewards” to dodge accountability, banking on inertia. Sullivan’s take? “Real investment shows in action, not words.” For OP, that means demanding proof—contracts, timelines—or walking away.

So, advice? Get it in writing, like a commenter suggested, or start eyeing the exit. Your worth isn’t a negotiation tactic. Readers, what’s your take—stick it out or jump ship?

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Reddit’s hive mind didn’t mince words—here’s the tea, served with a side of sass: “These hot takes from the Reddit crew are candid, hilarious, and maybe a little too real.” Check out the gems:

From contract demands to pizza party shade, the consensus screams skepticism. But do these spicy opinions mirror the real world, or are they just keyboard warriors venting? You decide.

OP’s saga is a wake-up call: loyalty’s sweet, but blind faith in promises? That’s a trap. Companies banking on your patience might never deliver, leaving you with a fancier title and the same old paycheck. It’s a gamble—stay and hope, or bounce and thrive. What would you do if that carrot kept dangling just out of reach? Drop your thoughts below—let’s stir the pot!