#CareerCounsel: Can you turn down a promotion?

Declining a promotion is not a decision you should make quickly. #CareerCounsel continues the theme of job promotions, asking the question “Can you really turn down a promotion?” We previously explored how to know when you are ready for a promotion, so what happens if the answer is that you aren’t ready?

Not being ready for a promotion, yet being offered one, will throw you into quite the dilemma. There is plenty to consider…#CareerCounsel is officially in session!

Thriving in your career

Doing well in your work life is a great feeling; you’re achieving great things, building professional relationships and carving a fantastic future for yourself. Do you really have to rush the climb up the career ladder to prove your hard work is paying off?

To truly thrive in your career, you have to feel you have achieved all you can at every stage in your career journey. What if your boss decides you already have and wants you to take a big step up the ladder?

The ‘Should I take the promotion?’ dilemma

If you are offered an elevated role within your company, there will be mixed emotions even if you feel you aren’t quite ready.

• ‘This new role will look great on my CV…it could do great things for the future of my career.’
• There is probably a pay rise involved in this promotion…is this something that would really incentivise you to accept the promotion?
• Added benefits will probably make the above look even more tasty!

On the other hand, there is that big part of you that has already decided you are not quite ready yet. These thoughts are of course more important than the positives, because you have to be happy in the workplace. While the perks above are great, and you might ultimately enjoy the new position, you still have to consider what will potentially make you uncomfortable.

• Not ready for the extra responsibility and workload? Your boss is probably very happy with your output, otherwise you wouldn’t be offered a promotion. However, if you feel what you are currently doing is more than enough workload then taking on more might not be the best option.
• It could be that you will take ownership of a team, or a bigger team, which might make the above easier to manage. However, you have to be comfortable that you are ready to manage a team and ensure they are happy with what they are doing too.
• Quite simply, you might be happy with what you are doing and keen to continue doing great things in your current position.

Are there risks involved when declining a promotion?

When declining a promotion, the potential risks of doing so might throw you into further disarray as to what you can do.

• Will the company be happy to keep you on in your current position? Employees with great skill sets are likely to thrive within a company but perhaps part of the growth plan is to have you progress while bringing new team members in for you to help train.
• ‘Would I ever be offered the chance again?’ This is very important to consider, as the position you are declining will be offered to someone else. You have to know if this will ultimately stall career progress when you are ready for the next step.
• Would you regret it after rejecting the promotion? Well you will only know this once you have given your decision, so you have to be completely sure that declining is the best thing for you.

What you have to do

The risks above can be easily addressed…arrange a chat with your manager to discuss this promotion in depth. This shift in structure doesn’t just affect you but the whole company. Could your rejection really affect these plans?

You can be completely honest about what aspects of the promotion are not appealing as your manager will understand that just like a job offer, this is not a decision to take lightly. Talk about what you want to strengthen before you take the step so they can take this into account and consider different options. Remember that the company want you to take this step and ensuring you are completely happy with everything will be a big priority for them.

If this is a company you want to remain in, always convey how dedicated you are and that your doubts are in no way a reflection on your loyalty to the company. If after the chat you still feel it isn’t the time, make your rejection clear and concise. Why, at this moment in time, is this not the right move for you? Really understand the role you would have been taking on, because they will want to know the significant details of the role that did not appeal to you.

What are your thoughts?

If you have any opinions on this, or any other #CareerCounsel post, be sure to share your thoughts with us on Twitter!