The pervasive use of information and communication technologies has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, making after-hours work connectivity (AHC) a common phenomenon. While existing research often highlights its detrimental effects on work outcomes, this study explores its potential upside for career advancement. The results support our hypothesized model. After-hours work connectivity was positively related to perceived mattering to the leader, which subsequently was associated with a higher possibility of promotion. Crucially, upward mobility motivation significantly moderated the first stage of this mediation. The positive link between AHC and perceived mattering was significantly stronger for employees with high (vs. low) upward mobility motivation. This study offers a nuanced perspective on the career implications of AHC by identifying a positive psychological pathway (perceived mattering) and a critical boundary condition (upward mobility motivation). It shifts the narrative from AHC as a mere stressor to a potential strategic behavior for career advancement, contingent on individual motives.