In my experience, this only works at some companies. At others you have to play the promotion game (or have your manager play it for you).
Absolutely agree, I had my manager play it for me in my first company. And since I did not learn how to play it effectively or the importance of it, I think I suffered/suffering in my subsequent job(s).
Don't disagree with that. If you have the luxury seek out the companies that aren't like that. Obviously easier said than done but they are out there