Welcome to the private sector! This is how things are done here.
I'm in a similar position.
Promised the earth and nothing comes of it.
Looking for new jobs at the moment, something will come along eventually.
Sounds like you have done a good job where you are and that experience will get you into something better.
Sometimes if you start in a more Junior position you will always be viewed that way.
Get out as soon as possible, people who treat there staff badly never change.
You have to get another job.
Just stick at it and most importantly keep looking for something else.
It's even worth taking a days holiday to job search if you struggle to find the time.
Good luck.
*UPDATE*
Hey all!
Waves been moving this side, firstly work has not improved, I have been given a formal warning for few reasons, mainly for how low my morale has been lately due to all of this. They tried to be friendly about it and asked me what was wrong and what they can do to help, listed my suggestions and got shot down on all of them. The new CEO then stated also that another penny above my wage will not come to me for at least 12 months given if I met his criteria (confirming my fear of past achievements being ignored).
So you can imagine how my morale was feeling after that.
Good news though, I have secured two interviews over the next few weeks, so I am looking forward to that and it has got me excited, motivated and hungry again!
How can they give you a formal warning for low morale? As long as you're doing the job you're paid to do, working the hours you are supposed to work I don't see how there can be any basis for that. I doubt its in your contract that you have to be sunshine and rainbows.
The new guy sounds like a complete asshat. I'd be looking at doing everything I can to give him the shaft.
The warning contained a few other issues which I do not believe to be serious enough to give a warning.
After a follow up meeting today in regards to how I operate within my job, they have set me a number of objectives to meet ion 3 months time, to which then I will be given another job role with more objectives to meet over a year, then I will get a pay rise...completely ignoring the past 3 and half years of work and accomplishments and met objectives.
Also inquired about my xmas bonus which has still yet to be seen (even though I have confirmation of it coming), which they now say we do not have the money to allocate an xmas bonus (questionable in truth), but will be resolved eventually. (no eta or when to expect it, even though it was meant to be delivered end of january.)
But on the upside, I had an interview last week which I thought was very successful, hoping to hear next week if ive gone through to the next stage (i believe I will given on my experience during the interview, they seemed far too interested to not invite me back)
You're a pushover.
There, I said it. You've let them walk over you, and instead of being pro-active in getting the money you are owed, have continued to let them walk over you while you "wait for xyz to happen".
Grats, you have a new job lined up (or hopefully will). How do you think the "i want my money or im leaving" line is going to go?
They'll open the door and slam it behind you.
Work to rule. If you don't have the bottle to do it, then don't expect any of that money you are owed.
Sounds like you've been taken for a ride, but also there is clearly more to this - you suggested the new CEO isn't for you; I imagine you aren't for him either. From his position if he Doesn't rate you enough to give a warning you have zero chance of sorting any pay rise or bonus for the foreseeable.
You don't say where you are based. I work for a large cloud & hosting provider and we are always recruiting. Where are you and what do you want to do ?
Get out and move onto bigger and better things.
EDIT - I wouldn't be making life difficult for them, you've stated that you can't afford to leave without a job to go to so I would be amicable towards them until you've found something else.
Great news. Take your ISO work with you then laugh as they scamble around when the external auditors turn up