In most places you get promoted because you established a relationship with people that can make this decision(promote). It is not because of merit or years ser

In most places you get promoted because you established a relationship with people that can make this decision(promote). It is not because of merit or years served. If your manager do not like you and you are doing low impact work your chances are low regardless of other factors. If you want to be promoted you need be visible in organization. You need to run projects that are important for higher ups. Most importantly you need to build network of people that would support you. These qualities are often in contrast on what individual contributor needs to be successful. I personally prefer IC route. I dislike small talk, pointless meeting and playing a political game.