How To Tell Your Boss You Don’t Want A Promotion

For many of us, we often jump at the chance for promotion the very minute it is offered to us. However, our co-workers may disagree with the promotion and say it’s not yet time for us to get it. Some are content on where they are and know it is not yet the time to get that promotion. But, saying this to peers is not always a good thing because they would say you are letting the opportunity slip away.

If you are one of these people who are happy at their current roles, you know why you want to stay where you are. It’s possible that your life is where you want it to be and you do not mind staying there for a while. There is also the fact you love your job and moving from it is the last thing in your mind.

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So, what do you do when you get an offer from your boss to be promoted to a new role?

Here are some tips we can recommend for you to try out:

Take the Offer

The direction of our careers often changes in a way we would never expect. Even if we want to stay where we are, we need to have options in case things go south.

When you get the offer, be polite and review the offer. You will not move into your position ASAP so take time to review the offer.

Use the opportunity to explain your ideas

When your boss talks to you about promotion, thank him for the gesture and explain to him that you can still make a difference in your current position. You can give him your ideas on why you should remain in your current role.

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Look if the job can be modified to your goals

After you get the offer from your boss, list down the pros and cons of the job. Then look into whether you can adjust the job to your goals.

You can ask your boss if they will offer opportunities for you to learn skills related to the job or if there are projects you like that they can offer. Promotion should not just be good for your career, it should also be worthwhile for you to do.

Decline it

If your career is stable and you do not want to move from it at all, decline it politely. Explain why you do not want to move from your spot and that you are content where you are.

In Other Words

Promotion is a double-edged sword that you have to be careful about when it is offered to you. If you feel like you can still do good in your current role, do not hesitate to speak to your boss about it.

Good communication can help you and your company understand one another and understand why you are good where you are.

Show to them that your reasoning is valid and you show why you are still good where you are and they will be happy to let you stay where you are.

Have you passed on a promotion? What was it like? Please do share with us your experiences so everyone can learn something new.


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28 Comments Add yours

  1. Terese says:

    Great points, Kally!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you, Terese! Have a wonderful week!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Terese says:

        You as well!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Daedalus Lex says:

    Good advice, Kally. On a more humorous note, I remember once I’d recently left a fast-lane bar job with lots of money and bodily wear and tear to take a low-pay line cook job without all the sturm und drang. Ah, the sweet simplicity! Sure enough, the chef soon quit and the manager asked, “Gary, how would you like the opportunity to be the chef?” Me: “No, I’m happy with line cook.” Mgr: “Too bad. You’re chef or you’re fired.” Thus began my 6-month stretch as chef at a French restaurant — looks great now sandwiched between “hitchhiked 14 countries” and “ran two marathons” on my resume!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Kally says:

      Wow! What a story and what a journey indeed! I’d love hearing your adventure. Your resume is really eye opening and amazing.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Daedalus Lex says:

        Hahaha. Yes, Kally, my resume might not be the most professional but I’d like to think it is among the most entertaining 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  3. ecohorizons says:

    I agree with you…
    As said , you feel at home where your heart is …

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you so much!
      Have a wonderful week!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I find that with promotions the only thing that changes is the status with inequitable compensation. It is cool to at least be considered, as it lets you know that you are on a good path.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      That’s true. Being considered is also a way of being acknowledge of the good work you’ve done.
      Have a wonderful week!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. equinoxio21 says:

    A very good post peng yu. (How have you been?)
    Not an easy thing to do. And probably does not happen often.
    Like you said, we are (or should be) all eager for a promotion.
    I never turned down one. Actually, many times I have “promoted” myself by changing company. At a higher level of course. 🙂
    Now there is another factor: some promotions can be traps… Those should be turned down. Definitely.
    How’s everything? The baby? (Not so baby anymore), the driving?
    Cheers
    Brian

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Hey, Brian! My peng you, how are you doing? Still traveling loads?
      A smart move to jump ship unto a higher position! 🙂 I do agree that some promotions are traps especially if that particular position is unwanted for a long time. Sometimes, management just dangled poor positions with too much responsibilities because they can’t find anyone from the outside who is willing to do the work.
      The baby has grew up to be a demanding 2-year-old diva, morphing into a tiny dictator around the house. Lol. I stopped driving for awhile because we have been massively traveling. In fact, we just came back from Hong Kong (Disneyland for the little diva).
      Send my best wishes to your family! Take care, Brian!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. equinoxio21 says:

        From your writings, I feel that we share (at least some) common corporate thoughts. So glad you have started traveling with the little princess. 🙂 Do remember (I have 2 daughters of my own) that sometimes little Princesses have to be put limits. 🙂 But you know best. Our grandson just turned 3. He can have some dictator tendencies, but he is very charming. 🙂 Always a pleasure to have him at home (2-3 days a week!)
        Traveling? We went to Colombia in December. My wife went back at Easter, and we’re leaving for Paris on June 30th. For six weeks. Thrilled to spend a long time back home.
        Good to pick up with you Peng You. Cheers.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Kally says:

      By the way, are you on Facebook?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. equinoxio21 says:

        I am. Though I must confess I go there every few months or so. Look for Brieuc Martin-Onraet (My “real” name!) Cheers.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Kally says:

          I thought you’ll be on Facebook more often so I can catch you on your adventures!! Haha. So lovely that you and your Wife are going to Paris for 6 weeks. Such a romantic place! Yes, my little princess needs some discipline before she turns into diva. But so hard to say no to such a cute face, lol!

          Liked by 1 person

          1. equinoxio21 says:

            Understandably. But remember this, saying no is helping her understand limits. Because there are limits. Red lights. Zebra crossings. Bosses. Police officers, teachers. With my daughters sometimes I said no, so they would have something to “fight” for.
            Do send me an invite on FB. That way we may be “more” in contact. have a lovely week-end with little Princess. How do you say Princess in Hokkien?

            Liked by 1 person

          2. Kally says:

            I’ve added you on Facebook! I hope I added the right person. Haha! I actually don’t know how to say Princess in Hokkien but I do know how to say it in Cantonese “Gong ju”.

            You give very sound parenting advice and there’s so much more I need to learn how to be a good parent. Yes, I do say no to her when she is testing my limits or when in a dangerous situation. She learned not to cross the road without holding my hand or go into the Swimming pool alone without me or even enter the lift without waiting for me.

            Liked by 2 people

          3. equinoxio21 says:

            Went to FB, and “met” little Gong ju. She is precious.
            I am sure you are a very good parent. Loving and motivating. 🙂 And yes, safety is paramount: roads, pool, the elevator.
            Cheers Peng yu.

            Liked by 2 people

          4. Kally says:

            Saw your comments on the FB posts! Big hugs, Peng You!

            Liked by 2 people

          5. equinoxio21 says:

            Hugs back kawanku.

            Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you for your comment!

      Like

  6. msw blog says:

    Great advice as always. I think the issue and fear becomes will you be offered another promotion in the future ?!?!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you! I never fear of promotions but I know not all promotions are suitable as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Wow this is great! And will surely help a lot of people. I was first confused by the title but then I read and realized what u have meant! ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Kally says:

      Thank you so much. I’m glad you like this.

      Liked by 2 people

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