I spent 4 years in college working my ass off and becoming an expert in data and computer systems and began working at a Fortune 500 company. After a couple years, I got this crappy manager who told me that he needs me to operate on a much higher level before he can even consider promoting me to a senior level. I was already working well outside my working hours and working on side projects I didn't have to do. He had no appreciation for me, and didn't believe in me. The bullshitters on LinkedIn would tell you “prove them wrong! You have to show them how wrong they are about you and how you can rise to the challenge!” Nah. Instead, I started looking at senior analyst positions at other companies and found myself a promotion. Got hired with a 65% pay raise had another company with way more experience, direct reports, and an upward mobility path.
Moral of the story? Don't wait around for promotion. Find your own promotion and let the idiots who keep trying to mess with you suffer the effects of their own stupidity