4 Instances To Say NO To a Job Promotion

For Rachel Kiama growing career wise and finally getting promoted was all she had always dreamt of ever since she got her first job.

“I have been working for this company for six years. I have been competent in my work delivering to the best of my ability. All that time, all I could think of was how good it would be to be promoted especially since I had just had a child. It felt that the best thing that could happen to our family was that extra income that would come with the promotion. However, six months down the line, I can’t help but feel that am not comfortable with my new position. I prefer the one I held before the promotion.” She narrates.

We work extra hard to get to where we want to be and avoid stalling. After all, who doesn’t want to succeed? While ambition is an admirable attribute, it can also deter us from taking on decisions that are to our greater good.

For this reason when a promotion is offered, we are prompted to say yes because it’s engraved in us that this is the only way to move up in our careers.

However, not all promotions are good ones. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to say no.

Related: 5 Ways to Show Your Boss You Are Ready For A Promotion

Instances You Can Say No To A Promotion

1. You just don’t like the position

Sometimes you find that not every job puts us in a situation where we can be the best versions of ourselves.

Sometimes that promotion may be what hinders you from moving on to something better-something you really enjoy doing.

You may one day find yourself being promoted to a manager’s position, but managing people has never been your cup of tea. Probably being a subordinate, is where you can utilize your skills best enabling you move on to a bigger company.

Although the manager’s title is more prestigious than the one you are holding currently, think hard before saying yes. It just might be the biggest mistake you make in your career that will leave you regretting for the rest of your life.

2. A promotion in responsibilities

Be very careful about this kind of promotion. You are working your job, and then all of a sudden you are given a larger team to manage and a wider span of accountability.

Sure it may seem like a congratulatory situation. You feel flattered that the organization thinks you can handle all those responsibilities and so the only thing you can think about is accepting it.

Normally this kind of promotion is often pitched right at that time when a formal promotion is given in the name of proving that you can get things done in that job first. Don’t let that sense of pride block out the reality.

Think of it. If they were hiring someone from the outside to do the same job, would they be put through the same hoops of being given extra responsibilities to prove their worth? No.

This person would be hired directly. The truth is that, by putting you through this trial period the company saves both face and money. After all, if they decide to bring someone else in to do the job, business resumes as usual.

3. When you don’t plan on staying there for long

No situation is permanent as they say. You may find that, your future lies outside the company. Maybe, you feel that its time you changed your career to something else therefore accepting that promotion will only hinder you from moving forward.

Organizations invest a lot in newly promoted individuals and so if you feel you are not there for the long haul, it’s just makes sense to say no. This will not only preserve your reputation but it will also keep you committed to what you want to come next after this job.

We normally associate promotions with impressive titles and responsibilities not to mention a higher salary. However, if accepting a promotion means that you will lose time to do what you really want, it’s not worth the trouble.

4. If the responsibilities affect your life

When it comes to promotion, there is always that nagging feeling that the promotion has too high a cost. Whether it’s long working hours, excessive travelling and less autonomy in your work, the bitter truth is that your life will always change.

I know it may seem unambitious or ungrateful to turn down a promotion, but it’s not worth it when your happiness is at jeopardy.

Getting promoted is our ultimate goal when we start a career. However consider what is at stake if you take that promotion. Let it be in line with your career goals and ambitions because that the only way you can realize growth and overall satisfaction in your career.

Related: 5 Proven Hacks To Obtaining A Promotion At Your Workplace