Two-thirds of workers say career growth is just an illusion, survey finds
According to the Ghost Growth report from MyPerfectResume®, 65% said they have experienced “superficial growth” in their careers.
A new survey revealed that many workers believe their career progress is little more than an illusion.
According to the Ghost Growth report from MyPerfectResume®, which polled 1,000 U.S. workers, 65% said they have experienced “superficial growth” in their careers – taking on extra duties without the pay, promotion or real opportunity they expected.
The research highlighted how professional development is often more performative than practical.
Nearly half of respondents (49%) felt they have hit a career plateau disguised as progress.
Two-thirds (66%) think their company engages in “growth theater,” offering surface-level training or symbolic gestures without meaningful outcomes.
More than half (53%) report being promised a raise or promotion that never arrived.
The survey showed the financial impact of this so-called ghost growth is significant.
78% said they have been assigned new responsibilities without a corresponding pay rise or promotion.
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