Workers share how empty promises from employers are reshaping their careers
US workers are experiencing “ghost growth”—career advancement that looks good on paper but fails to deliver meaningful pay, promotions, or authority, a new survey found.
The Ghost Growth Report, by MyPerfectResume reveals that a majority of based on responses from 1,000 currently employed adults, found that 65% of workers said they have experienced this illusion of progress. For many, the recognition of hard work has meant taking on more responsibilities without financial or professional rewards.
“Career growth is supposed to feel empowering. But for millions of US workers, it feels fake,” the report stated.
Workload rises, compensation stalls
The study found that 78% of employees have been assigned new duties without receiving a raise or promotion. Only 15% said they had been given a raise in the past year that reflected their expanded responsibilities, while 35% reported they have never been adequately compensated for added workload. In addition, 53% said they had been promised promotions or opportunities that never materialized.
The imbalance is fuelling frustration and disengagement. Nearly one in four workers reported feeling frustrated, while 20% cited burnout. Sixteen percent said the experience pushed them to start job hunting, and 15% reported feeling disengaged.
Erosion of trust
The survey also showed that 66% of workers believe their employers engage in what they describe as “growth theatre”—the appearance of supporting career development without tangible results. Nearly half of respondents, 49%, said they have reached a career plateau, which employers appear to mask with superficial opportunities.
This performative growth has consequences for retention. Sixty-eight percent of respondents said they have considered quitting over “fake” advancement, while 27% left a job for that reason. Another 41% admitted they stayed but seriously thought about resigning.
What workers want
When asked what real career growth looks like, 27% of respondents pointed to higher pay, while 18% cited better work-life balance. Sixteen percent said leadership roles or a clear path to promotion mattered most, and 15% highlighted the importance of building new skills. Only 8% said greater autonomy was enough.
“Workers know what real advancement looks like, and they know when they’re not getting it,” the report noted. “When growth is just for show, it doesn’t inspire; it alienates.”
The survey was conducted on Aug. 7, 2025, using Pollfish. Participants represented a broad cross-section of the US workforce by gender, age, and education level.
