up-or-out

American  

[uhp-er-out] / ˈʌp ərˈaʊt /

adjective

1. of or relating to a system or policy of employment in which one is either promoted or discharged.

   the pressures of an up-or-out promotion system.

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Example Sentences

Swalwell, a fourth-term member of the House, is pondering an up-or-out strategy.

From Washington Post

For the critical level of ‘officer counsellor’- the entry point for the “senior” foreign service and the hurdle at which many careers in the up-or-out system founder - he increased the number by more than 50 percent to 97 from 63.

From Reuters

Not only could consultants shoulder the blame when a corporation announced plans to restructure, but they also brought with them a worldview shaped by their own experiences as McKinsey “associates,” subject to the up-or-out policy of an “unforgiving meritocracy.”

From New York Times

Gen. Susan Pamerleau, a former commander of the Air Force Personnel Center on Randolph and a former Bexar County sheriff, cautioned that any deviation from the way people progress in the military’s “up-or-out” career track, including allowing some to work exclusively in technical jobs, could cost the service good leaders.

From Washington Times

Clyburn raised eyebrows a few weeks ago when he told Politico that this year’s midterm elections were an up-or-out moment for the trio, that all three would have to step down if Democrats failed to secure the majority.

From Washington Post