Career growth used to be obvious. You moved up, got a new title, earned more money, and everyone could see the progress. Today, it’s messier. Many professionals are working harder, learning faster, and carrying more responsibility, yet staying in the same role on paper. This is what’s increasingly being called ghost growth. You’re growing, but only invisibly.And no, this isn’t just a feeling. A 2025 survey of 1,000 US professionals by MyPerfectResume found that 53% said their career looks like it’s progressing when it actually isn’t. The work is there. The recognition isn’t.
Why ghost growth is so risky
In today’s workplace, effort doesn’t speak for itself unless someone gives it a voice. When you consistently perform above your role without acknowledgment, expectations quietly shift. What once looked exceptional becomes normal. Over time, this can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and missed opportunities, especially when promotions are decided by titles and visibility, not invisible labour.At first, ghost growth can actually feel… safe. There’s a quiet comfort in it. You’re improving without drawing attention to yourself. You’re not competing loudly, not pushing for credit, not having awkward conversations about raises or titles. In a work culture that’s constantly shouting for visibility, ghost growth can feel like choosing peace over noise.For many people, it also fits a deeper instinct to “be ready” before stepping up. You want to earn your place properly. You want to feel polished, confident, undeniably deserving. So you keep learning, taking on more, telling yourself that the results will speak for themselves someday.The problem is, careers don’t always reward patience. They reward positioning. And if no one sees your growth, it’s easy for it to be overlooked, no matter how real it is.
Signs you are experiencing ‘ghost growth’ at your work place
Here are five signs you might be stuck in ghost growth:
Your responsibilities have grown, but your title hasn’t
You’re handling bigger decisions, mentoring others, or owning critical tasks—yet your role description remains unchanged. According to the MyPerfectResume survey, 78% of professionals reported being given new duties without a raise or promotion.
You keep hearing “soon” instead of seeing action
You’ve been told a promotion or opportunity is coming, but months, or years, have passed with no follow-up. The data shows 53% were promised growth that never actually materialised.
You’re always the “go-to” person, but never the one rewarded
People rely on you when things go wrong or deadlines are tight, yet recognition goes elsewhere. Over time, your reliability is taken for granted rather than rewarded.
Your workload has expanded, but your pay hasn’t
You’re doing the work of two roles without compensation. In fact, 35% of professionals surveyed said they were never paid more despite an expanded workload.
Your growth exists only in your head
You know you’ve learned new skills and taken on more responsibility, but none of it is documented, visible, or formally acknowledged. When new opportunities arise, decision-makers see your title, not your actual contribution.
