[gbog]

Why strange? Staying there when difficulties arise, future become incertain, keep working when it becomes boring or very messy or unrewarding, being able to do the work of the designer or the project manager because they are gone, all these are proofs that you are reliable and able. I would certainly choose such a guy for a senior position.

[mk89]

If you do it because you are loyal to the company and you are good at what you do, you MUST be promoted. If, on the other hand, you do it because you need a promotion and all you have to do is to wait, well... I don't have the numbers, I just know that people are human, and many humans seek the best opportunities with the least effort.

[gbog]

Yes, and more often than you seem to think, "waiting" is a good choice, because it leads to better opportunities in the long term. I don't advocate to stay in the same company forever. I suggest to do exactly the opposite of the flock, i.e. leave when people are coming in, and stay when people are leaving. (That's also a way to make money on the markets, maybe the only way.)

[mk89]

I think @gbog hit the nail on the head when he mentioned waiting. This is one of the most important non-technical skills you need to learn: patience.

[mknocker]

Strange in a the sense that the rational choice would be to promote your best asset while they are in the company. There are tough times in all companies but, in some, the best assets decide to leave when there are tough times because this is the last nail in the coffin of a toxic work environment.