Promotion is generally considered a welcome and impressive reward for good job performance – usually. However, sometimes, you may prefer to keep your current job.
Before you decide whether to accept the promotion or not
Assess your chances of success and satisfaction in the new position before making your decision. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have the right skills to succeed?
- Do you want to do the job?
- Will the surrounding team provide adequate support?
- Will the additional responsibility, pressure, and required hours be suitable based on your lifestyle and family interests?
Good reasons to decline the promotion
If you are uncertain about whether you want to accept the promotion, consider whether any of the following common reasons for declining apply to your situation:
- The timing is not right. The timing of the opportunity may be a challenge for you or your family. You might be finishing an academic degree, have a child about to graduate from high school, or be caring for elderly parents. Or perhaps your spouse has a great job they do not want to leave, and the promotion would require relocating to another site. All of these factors can mean that the promotion – although intriguing in another context – does not fit your current life plans.
- You don’t think you’re ready. You may feel that you are not ready for the promotion and would prefer to build some key skills before taking on new challenges and responsibilities. If this is a possibility, consider whether your hesitation is justified or based on fear. Note: Sometimes, the best way to prepare for a new role is to start working in it. If you enjoy the work and can compensate for skill gaps with diligence and hard work, consider whether you would indeed be better off taking on the role now.
- You don’t want to move up the career ladder. It may also be that the promotion will move you into a management position, taking you away from the part of the job you enjoy the most. In this case, think about your career path. Will your employer allow you to remain in your current role indefinitely, or is there an expectation that you will advance or move on?
- Uncomfortable with the team. A promotion may mean that you will work with a different team. You may prefer to stay in your current job and work with those you know well.
- The promotion does not pay. You may find that you will take on more responsibility without an increase in compensation. While this is a compelling reason to decline the promotion, you should know that it will require some finesse when talking to your manager. You will need to clarify that you are not trying to avoid more responsibilities overall and that you are willing to contribute to helping the team achieve its goals, even if you are avoiding taking on an entirely new role without a pay increase.
What to do when offered a promotion you do not want
It is always important to show appreciation for the promotion, even if you do not want it. When you receive a promotion offer, you should respond promptly with a message filled with gratitude to show your employer that you appreciate the consideration you received.
Do not decline the offer without fully understanding the nature of the new role and the potential implications of not accepting it. Ask for some time to think it over.
Consider what might happen if you decline
Consider the possible consequences of declining the promotion. The company may be pleased with your staying in your current position. Or you may find out that refusal is not an option if you want to remain with the company. Your employer may be changing the organizational structure and your position within it.
Employees with a high-value skill set are less likely to face negative consequences, but this may create work issues. Employees whose roles are declining in importance or who are making significantly higher salaries than average for their role should be particularly cautious before declining the offer.
You may
It can also be difficult to refuse a promotion if you are working in a role that the organization primarily uses as a management track position, such as Assistant Manager or Management Trainee.
Before making a final decision, discuss it with your manager to gain an understanding of how it will impact your career path in the organization.
How to Decline a Promotion
If you are certain that turning down the promotion is the right choice for your personal situation, build a convincing case for staying in your current role. Prioritize the areas you wish to enhance or the reasons for postponing the promotion. Point out the skills you enjoy using in your current job. Emphasize how you add value and help your team achieve its goals. Express your strong commitment to the organization and your willingness to work hard in your position. Share your plans for professional development and how you intend to continue improving your performance. Leave the employer with the impression that you are very enthusiastic about your current job and loyal to your work.
Examples of What to Say When Declining a Promotion
Above all, focus on the positive side when declining the offer. You are not saying “no” to the position being offered, as much as you are saying “yes” to what you are currently doing.
For example, if you are a salesperson, talk about your passion for sales and your goal to be the best seller. Express your belief that your strengths are better suited for excelling in sales rather than management.
In another example, if you are a software developer, you can emphasize your interest in problem-solving and fixing things through hands-on programming rather than managing employees.
Another Option is to Try the New Job
Instead of simply declining the offer, you could try out the new role. You might suggest taking on the role temporarily or helping with some responsibilities associated with the higher-level position if your employer needs it.
If you are sure you want to return to your current job, it is best to agree in advance on an end date for the higher role. It may also happen that once you take on the higher role, you might find it suits you and decide to accept the promotion permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I refuse the promotion? Declining a promotion can mean losing your current job or the opportunity to take on a different role within the organization. However, it can also be an opportunity to discuss your goals with your manager and lay the groundwork for a new path. It depends on whether the promotion is the expected next step for your position, along with other factors.
Is it rude to decline a promotion? You should never feel obligated to accept a promotion just because it has been offered. It is not rude or dismissive to say no if the position does not align with your career plans. However, it is wise to be prepared for the possibility that your manager may be disappointed. Make sure to express your gratitude for being considered when you decline.
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Knowledge at Wharton. “Do women avoid promotions?”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/when-and-how-to-turn-down-a-job-promotion-2061678
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