Dear Readers: Striving for that big promotion is usually on the radar of quite a few employees, and there’s no shame in the ambition game — yearning for the brass ring, the corner office, a new title with a bigger salary to match. Sometimes, though, it’s not enticing when a promotion connected to stress is within reach and your boss approaches you with the opportunity, yet you don’t want it. How should you handle it?
Simply stated, you’re not self-sabotaging your career. It’s the opposite: You’re owning it.
As mental health takes center stage and we’re cognizant of preventing burnout, sometimes a promotion for a specific job may seem worse than your current situation. Sure, typically there’s a bigger payday, but with that higher rung on the company hierarchy usually comes more responsibilities, potentially more headaches and, let’s say it in unison, potentially more stress. You can still demonstrate an excellent work ethic and be an integral member of the organization without advancing to that next level.
According to ADP research in 2023, turnover is significant for employees who leave their jobs right after getting promoted, as 29% of employees have left within a month of their promotion. This is in contrast to 18% who would have left without a promotion. The report showed that a promotion actually spikes the odds that an employee will leave. The risk is highest during the first six months of getting promoted and the risk is also higher for managers than individual contributors.
If you don’t want to pursue it, you can express gratitude for the opportunity while communicating to your boss that you’d rather stay in your current role that’s part of your long-term goals. You can showcase your commitment to the company by continuing to demonstrate excellent work, the same work that got you noticed for the promotion.
Barbara Spitzer, founder of human capital and strategy execution firm Two Rivers Partners, said, “Turning down a promotion is not inherently self-sabotage. The key is how you manage the situation. Like any negotiation, you must consider whether you’re willing to walk away if the boss reacts poorly. Career management requires open, frequent conversations about your aspirations.”
Additionally, Spitzer recommended avoiding providing personal reasons why you’re passing on the opportunity. “Mentioning factors like ‘I just had a baby’ or ‘my rent increased’ can seem unprofessional.” Instead of saying you don’t want the extra work and stress, Spitzer said, “Talk about the overall fit and timing for the role.”
If you speak to your boss and the promotion isn’t optional, identify your underlying concerns. For instance, perhaps your concern about additional stress is due to concerns of taking on a role without enough support on your team, without adequate training and more.
“Request additional support or training to ensure you can succeed,” said Spitzer. “If you’re genuinely uninterested and willing to leave, plan your exit and manage the transition professionally.”
Tribune News Service
