History Main / NonPromotion

* In the ''WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants'' episode "[[Recap/SpongeBobSquarePantsS2E1YourShoesUntiedSquidsDayOff Squid's Day Off]]", after Mr. Krabs is sent to the hospital, he puts Squidward in charge. Since it was a slow day and there are no customers at all, Squidward takes the opportunity to skip work by ''promoting'' [=SpongeBob=] to run the cash register AND make the Krabby Patties at the same time, so he could leave the restaurant for some "errands". Ultimately subverted because [[spoiler:the Krusty Krab's sign reads "Closed"]] and Squidward's anxiety of [=SpongeBob=] possibly messing up on his own ruined the whole point of the ruse.

* One thing unique to the [[UsefulNotes/NewYorkCityCops NYPD]] is a job position known as a "Detective-Specialist", and it was created because of this trope. In the 1980s, many NYPD detectives resented that some police officers, such as those assigned to security details for the mayor, the police commissioner and other senior city officials, were being granted the rank of Detective in order to give them increased pay and status, but were not being assigned to investigative duties. The NYPD pacified the situation by creating the rank of "Detective-Specialist". This title is now given to police officers who have been placed in specialized units because they possess a unique or esoteric skill the department needs, e.g., crime-scene technician, sharpshooter, bomb technician, scuba instructor, helicopter instructor, sketch artist, etc. Like Detective-Investigators, Detective-Specialists start at third level pay grade and can be promoted to second- or first-grade status.
* In most police departments, Detectives may get increased pay and different duties compared to patrol officers, but they're both still at the same level in the chain of command. Basically, senior detectives can give directions to junior detectives in their own squads, but not even the most senior detective can lawfully issue orders to even a junior patrol officer. Detectives still fall under the "chain of command" of the supervisory ranks from Sergeant on upward. Still, both Detectives, and regular Officers, are eligible to take promotional civil service exams for entry into the supervisory ranks. There are rare exceptions to this: for example, in the LAPD, where the Detective Bureau is part of the Office of Special Operations, detectives are considered specialists, and therefore are seen as separate from the uniformed line of command. The senior-most detective is therefore permitted to take charge of an incident when it is necessary for investigative purposes, superseding the chain-of-command of other higher-ranking officers in attendance.
* This is [[https://www.cracked.com/article_16676_6-emails-you-get-when-your-company-about-to-go-under.html one possible sign of an impending layoff or closure]], usually after someone fairly important to the company resigns (because they know what's coming), and they need to find someone to fill that role, but can't afford to hire new people.

* Commander Shepard starts ''Franchise/MassEffect'' as a Lieutenant Commander of the Alliance Navy, and also gains Spectre status from the Council. Come the third game, the Alliance recommissions Shepard, but two returning squad members (and, with the right background, his/her own ''mother'') either match or ''outrank'' him/her, and s/he gets the widespread duty of conducting centuries-in-the-making diplomacy with every race in the Milky Way and finding as many war assets as s/he can. By the end, s/he is essentially, along with Admiral Hackett, the leader of the alliance.

* This is [[https://www.cracked.com/article_16676_6-emails-you-get-when-your-company-about-to-go-under.html one possible sign of an impending layoff or closure]], usually after someone fairly important to the company resigns (because s/he knows what's coming), and they need to find someone to fill that role, but can't afford to hire new people.

%% This page has been alphabetized. Please add new examples in the correct order. Thanks!

There are a great many names for this: in RealLife and in fictional office settings they call it being a ''Team Leader''. In the military they call it a ''Brevet'' or acting rank, you get the authority and whatnot of the promotion, but not the money. Happened a lot in RealLife in the American Civil War and the World Wars and still happens to this day to an extent if a unit is short on personnel.

Think of it as the opposite of being KickedUpstairs, you stay right where you are but do more work without getting paid extra for it! Oh and I need you to file these examples too.

* Truth in television with military brevet ranks; promotions given authorizing officers to claim the title and responsibility of a promotion, without the actual pay.

Great news, Page! I'm giving you a Promotion! Your new title is Trope Page, as opposed to your old role of Blank Page. Now the pay's the same and there are no perks, but you will be expected to keep discussions, indexes, and a good example list. It's a new responsibility. Keep at it and you may get moved up later, but for now you need to put in the extra time, this is great opportunity for you!

[[folder: Anime & Manga ]]

[[folder: Fan Works]]

* In Chengar Qordath's ''[[FanFic/TheLifeAndTimesOfAWinningPony Winningverse]]'', this happens to Shining Armor in the aftermath of [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E25ACanterlotWeddingPart1 the changeling]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E26ACanterlotWeddingPart2 wedding invasion]]. He is removed from being Captain of the Guard (his dream job)through no real fault of his own, and shunted sideways into a new role. While the role isn't a dead-end job by a long shot, it's not what he wanted to do. And when the realization really sets in on the day he finally moves all of his stuff out of his office, [[FromBadToWorse it only kicks off the slew of bad news he gets that day.]]
* "[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2685077/1/Kim-Possible-The-Next-Generation Kim Possible: The Next Generation]]" opens with WesternAnimation/KimPossible an ensign in Security on the ''Enterprise''-D (''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'') in line for promotion to lieutenant, which she receives during a subsequent investigation into an attack on a space station. However, when she takes an unofficial trip to a planet hostile to the Federation to follow up on a clue, Admiral Nechayev declares that Kim must be demoted back to ensign to appease the planet's government (the alternative being to discharge her from Starfleet and send her back for punishment). Captain Picard accepts this order, but finds a way around it by transferring Kim to the command division and giving her the role of the captain's aide de comp, which leaves her officially still an ensign but with greater responsibilities and prestige.

[[folder: Films -- Live-Action ]]

* An almost example appears in an opening scene of the film ''Film/{{Scorched}}'': a long-time employee of the bank is promoted to Assistant Manager, receiving a vast list of new responsibilities... and a 55 cents an hour raise.

[[folder: Literature ]]

* Brevet ranks turn up a lot in ''The Literature/XWingSeries''.
** In particular, it seems to be a New Republic Starfighter tradition that new squadron commanders are given the rank of Brevet Captain. It's kind of a sore point for Donos that he never actually made captain because his whole squadron was wiped out except him. There's also the one time Piggy ''made himself an Acting (Naval) Captain'' (because he took over an enemy warship on his own). He's later informed that this self-bestowed promotion could be made real with a little paperwork, though decides not to go through with it since it would mean having to transfer out of a fighter cockpit.
* There is a ''Literature/WaysideSchool'' story in which one kid is picked as Class President. Much jubilation on the part of said student until he learns that the exalted post of Class President entails turning off the lights at the end of class.
** Although in this case, the one day he is sick and isn't in class, the entire day is wasted as the teacher "can't teach without light" and the class president is the only one able to turn on the lights.
* In Creator/RobertAHeinlein's ''Literature/StarshipTroopers'', Johnny is chosen as a Cadet Leader, which just means he has additional responsibility for his fellow cadets. Unfortunately he lets the position to go his head, and winds up court-martialled and nearly booted out of the service entirely.
** A similar thing happened in the movie, but it [[ArtisticLicenseGunSafety wasn't]] [[NoOSHACompliance the character's]] [[IJustShotMarvinintheFace fault]].
** Later in the novel, when Johnny attends Officer Candidate School, much is made of the fact that he and the other cadets are "promoted" to "temporary third lieutenant" before being assigned to a unit for field training - the rank places them officially within the command structure, yet simultaneously ensures that no one will mistake them for real, fully trained officers.
* This happened to the main character in the ''Literature/{{Sten}}'' novels by Creator/ChrisBunch. He's given cadet rank (eventually up to becoming a company commander), but among other things, he's responsible for discipline across the entire company, and isn't very good at it. Eventually he's given command during an exercise against an overwhelming enemy, fails spectacularly, and is kicked out of training because of it.
* In ''[[TabletopGame/{{Spelljammer}} The Cloakmaster Cycle]]'' Teldin at one point "promoted" trooper Gomja to sergeant, even though Teldin himself wasn't currently on any service, has no official status other than "farmer" and was but a ''mule skinner'' in the army before retirement. Unusual in that this helped. The "promotion" forced a young and completely dependent on the orders [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Giff]] to think for himself, and even [[LetsGetDangerous unlocked his tactical thinking to the dangerous level]]: for Giff being a SpaceMarine is the only understandable way of life and the only subject of their education. It's unclear whether Teldin did it on purpose or just to make him feel better, but HilarityEnsues.
* Guido and Nunzio infiltrated the Possiltum army in ''[[Literature/MythAdventures M.Y.T.H. Inc. in Action]]'' Guido was promoted to "Acting Squad Leader" while in boot camp -- which meant "playin' sheepdog" for the rest of his squad, and nothing more.
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' Harry repeatedly grants higher and higher ranks to the pixie Toot-Toot. Harry thinks it's just stroking Toot's ego, but Toot takes it seriously, so with each promotion he recruits more and more pixies to follow him. When Harry finally calls on the "'Za Lord's Guard" for help, he's quite surprised at how many of them there are. [[spoiler: It also seems to be physically affecting Toot, who is much, much larger than he was in the first book, as a side effect of the oft-repeated axiom that names have power. Though that may just be the pizza.]]
* Literature/CiaphasCain ('''HERO OF THE IMPERIUM!''') introduces his aide as "Gunner First Class Ferik Jurgen", despite there being only one class of gunner (but given how high on the chain of command the people he introduces them to are, they don't know that).

* In ''Literature/TheMachineriesOfEmpire'', captain Kel Cheris is breveted to a general when she's put in charge of the operation to retake the Fortress of Scattered Needles, but the formation instinct (the Kel brainwashing that makes them obey the chain of command) doesn't read her as one, meaning she has to win over her rather unimpressed subordiantes the hard way.
* Played for laughs in Literature/MovingPictures - CMOT Dibbler creates SO MANY different Vice Presidents, that there is essentially one for almost everything possible in Holy Wood - and the spontaneous creation of Vice Presidents is then used as a measurement system for how well a click is going at any given moment.

[[folder: Live-Action TV ]]

** The [[Series/TheOfficeUS American version]] has Dwight getting promoted by Michael from Assistant to the Regional Manager to Assistant Regional Manager. It's an unofficial promotion without any perks. Also, when Dwight thinks he will become the manager, he holds interviews for his "Number Two Man". He then appoints Andy as the Number Two "for political reasons" and Pam as his secret actual Number Two before he finds out that [[StatusQuoIsGod no one is getting promoted]].
* ''Series/ThirdRockFromTheSun'', "Dick Strikes Out":
-->'''Dick Solomon:''' I'm sorry, there is simply no room in the budget for raises. But I can go you one better: promotions! Sally, you are now ''Senior'' Security Officer.
-->'''Sally Solomon:''' That'll look good on the old resume.
-->'''Dick Solomon:''' Tommy, you are now ''Senior'' Information Officer.
-->'''Tommy Solomon:''' It's about time.
-->[everybody is quiet for a moment]
-->'''Harry Solomon:''' What about me?
-->'''Dick Solomon:''' Harry, you are now... Harold.
-->'''Harry Solomon:''' Champagne for everyone!
* ''Series/{{Andor}}'': The Imperial Captain Vanis Tigo asks to be made Prefect, even though it comes with no increase in pay or power to him.
* ''Series/HappyDays'': Richie Cunningham was made group leader (or whatever the precise title was) of his ROTC unit in high school, which Ralph and Potsie took as permission to goof off.
* In ''Series/TheMaryTylerMooreShow'', when Mary is first hired, Lou offers her a choice of Assistant Director or Secretary. She, of course, chooses Assistant Director. When she meets and talks to Murray, she finds out that the Secretary job pays more.
* On ''Series/{{Newsradio}}'' Dave promoted Matthew to the position of coordinating producer. He takes his job very seriously but of course nobody takes him seriously. Dave admits it's a useless title with no real power and Matthew asks if Dave is going to make him Queen of England.
-->'''Dave Nelson:''' I was thinking Marquis de la Supply Closet.
* ''Series/{{Frontline}}'': When Mike demands more responsibility on the program, the executive producer grants him the meaningless title of 'International Story Coordinator': a position that involves faxing a list of the day's stories to their sister network in the UK so they can pick up any stories they want to run. Mike still manages to screw this up.
* Sgt. Sid Gormley in ''Series/BlueBloods''. Originally the supervisor of the 54th Precinct detectives (and Danny's boss), he impresses Frank with his candor and concern for the rank-and-file cops. Frank then informs Gormley that he's making him Dino Arbogast's replacement as Frank's liaison to the regular cops. However, since the NYPD regulations require that the Chief of Department to be at least a captain, Frank instead creates the position of the Special Assistant to the Commissioner, which has the same duties and authority but not the rank and privileges that go with it. He does, later, receive a promotion to Lieutenant, but this is mostly still in effect, particularly when Gormley has to interface with senior police officers who outrank him.

* In an episode of ''Series/CriminalMinds'', Hotch's sister-in-law tells him she's going to have to put her father in a nursing home because she's unable to care for him. The father suspects Hotch is responsible for it (and already blames Hotch for the death of his daughter/Hotch's wife). In the end, the sister-in-law reveals she's recently received a promotion at work and can use the extra money to hire a part-time nurse to help her out and keep him at home. Then the father-in-law reveals to Hotch that, despite his worsening dementia, he remembers his daughter telling him previously that the promotion only came with a new title, not a raise, allowing him to figure out that Hotch was providing the extra money but allowing his sister-in-law to look like the savior.
* ''Series/TheBrittasEmpire'': In the episode "Laura's Leaving", Brittas ends up firing Carole. However, he's convinced by Laura to not only rehire her, but to promote her to "manageress of the staff crèche". It's implied that the only difference between this job and the previous job Carole held (receptionist) is that she gets to keep her children behind the desk.

[[folder: Newspaper Comics ]]
* Team Leaders are a source of humour in ''ComicStrip/{{Dilbert}}''. e.g.,
-->[[PointyHairedBoss PHB]]: Congratulations Ted! I've appointed you senior Vice-Duke of all Engineering!\\
Ted: Can I order business cards?\\
PHB: No. You're only a ''vice'' duke.
** This is Played With frequently in ''ComicStrip/{{Dilbert}}'', including everything from long, overblown titles like "Supreme Commander of Cubicle [=S700R=]!" to "Not only will you ''not'' get raises, you'll also ''not'' get promotions! Oh, and you'll all be named Beverly."

[[folder: Tabletop Games ]]

* In ''TabletopGame/{{Paranoia}}'' most Troubleshooter missions require the group to choose a team leader (or have one chosen for them). The members had to follow the leader's orders, and the leader was responsible for successful completion of the mission. As most missions are impossible, and half the team is likely to try and sabotage it anyway in favor of personal goals, it really is a bad, ''BAD'' job. The team leader badge is a ''bulls-eye''. ("Your badge depicts you as the centre of your team, with your expertise and knowledge radiating as inspiration to all." Uh huh.)
** And being made a Troubleshooter in the first place exponentially decreases your expected lifespan. Enjoy your Red-clearance perks (such as they are) while you can.
** Troubleshooters occasionally receive brevet promotion (see the RealLife section) to a higher clearance, often solely for one particular purpose that The Computer has actually managed to recognize the need for.

[[folder: Theatre ]]

[[folder: Video Games ]]

[[folder: Western Animation ]]

-->'''Phil Ken Sebben''': You know what that means?
-->'''Harvey Birdman''': Promotions?
-->'''Sebben''': PROOOO-MOTIONS!
-->'''Birdman''': And raises?
-->*{{Beat}}*
-->'''Birdman''': Promotions?
-->'''Sebben''': PROOOO-MOTIONS!
* On ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'', Professor Farnsworth makes Fry Executive Delivery Boy, then admits to the others that it's a meaningless title given to make Fry feel better (he really wanted Fry back after they all realized how much they needed Fry to make working there bearable). [[SelfDeprecation At that point the show's Executive Producers titles appear on screen.]]

* In the ''WesternAnimation/TheLoudHouse'' episode ''Intern for the Worse'', Flip, the shady gas station owner that both Lincoln and Clyde get to work for, keeps making up new job titles and promotions in order to trick the boys into working harder. However,they don’t actually get more authority around the store because of it and still have to do the same work.
* ''WesternAnimation/SpongebobSquarepants'' did this in the episode "Squid's Day Off". After Mr. Krabs is sent to the hospital, he puts Squidward in charge. Since it was a slow day and there are no customers at all, Squidward takes the opportunity to skip work by ''promoting'' [=SpongeBob=] to run the cash register AND make the Krabby Patties at the same time, so he could leave the restaurant for some "errands". Ultimately subverted because [[spoiler: the Krusty Krab's sign reads Closed]] and Squidward's anxiety of [=SpongeBob=] possibly messing up on his own ruined the whole point of the ruse.
* In ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb'', [[TheIntern Carl]] is promoted from unpaid intern at the OWCA to ''paid'' intern at the OWCA. His boss makes it clear that said promotion is just a title, and they still won't be paying him, but he's happy anyway. The only thing he’ll probably get is more respect. By the DistantFinale “Act Your Age”, Carl has been fully hired into the organization, which means he does get paid that time around.

[[folder: Real Life ]]

* Rising through the ranks of an [[PyramidScheme MLM company]]. Sure, you may be referred to as a Super Duper Double Diamond, but your responsibilities haven't changed since you first signed on. (And you still have to answer to your upline.)

* Rising through the ranks of an MLM company. Sure, you may be referred to as a Super Duper Double Diamond, but your responsibilities haven't changed since you first signed on. (And you still have to answer to your upline.)

[[folder: Film ]]

* In ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb'', [[TheIntern Carl]] is promoted from unpaid intern at the OWCA to ''paid'' intern at the OWCA. His boss makes it clear that said promotion is just a title, and they still won't be paying him, but he's happy anyway.

* [[Series/HappyDays Richie Cunningham]] was made group leader (or whatever the precise title was) of his ROTC unit in high school, which Ralph and Potsie took as permission to goof off.

* In ''Series/TheMaryTylerMooreShow'', when Mary is first hired, Lou offers her a choice of Assistant Director or Secretary. She, of course, chooses Assistant Director. When she meets and talks to Murray, she finds out that the Secretary job pays more.

* ''WesternAnimation/SpongebobSquarepants'' did this in the episode "Squid's Day Off". After Mr. Krabs is sent to the hospital, he puts Squidward in charge. Since it was a slow day and there are no customers at all, Squidward takes the opportunity to skip work by ''promoting'' [=SpongeBob=] to run the cash register AND make the Krabby Patties at the same time, so he could leave the restaurant for some ''errands''. Ulitmately subverted because [[spoiler: the Krusty Krab's sign reads Closed]] and Squidward's anxiety of [=SpongeBob=] possibly messing up on his own ruined the whole point of the ruse.

* This happened to the main character in the ''Literature/{{Sten}}'' novels by ChrisBunch. He's given cadet rank (eventually up to becoming a company commander), but among other things, he's responsible for discipline across the entire company, and isn't very good at it. Eventually he's given command during an exercise against an overwhelming enemy, fails spectacularly, and is kicked out of training because of it.

* ''Series/TheBrittasEmpire'': In the episode "Laura's Leaving", Brittas ends up firing Carole. However, he's convinced by Laura to not only rehire her, but to promote her to "manageress of the staff crèche". It's implied that the only difference between this job and the previous job Carole held (receptionist) is that she gets to keep her children behind her the desk.

* An almost example appears in an opening scene of the film ''{{Scorched}}'': a long-time employee of the bank is promoted to Assistant Manager, receiving a vast list of new responsibilities ... and a 55 cents an hour raise.