To promote or not.

[Ambrosious]

Has anyone turned down a promotion at work? I've just recieved one and the next one is in the works. It's pretty much done, however I'm hsving a time just fufilling my present duties. I am sure I could handle it but man! that would be a plateful.

Just so you know, I work for a security company in Atlanta. We provide security for high end gated communities and class a high rises. Scheduling officers, payroll, and such. the real emphasis is on customer service and friendliness. You wouldn't believe the houses in this community I'm in right now. Prices start at 800,000.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Cheyenne]

Has anyone turned down a promotion at work? I've just recieved one and the next one is in the works. It's pretty much done, however I'm hsving a time just fufilling my present duties. I am sure I could handle it but man! that would be a plateful.

I have only turned down promotions that would require me to move to a new city.

Sounds like you're in a great spot- just having been promoted and about to be again? One question, does the new promotion only ADD duties to you and not take away any old ones? Then it doesn't sound like a true promotion to me- sounds like the old "we can get this person to do even more work just by giving him/her a fancier title." Especially if this one is right on the heels of a recent promotion. A true promotion moves you into a new role and out of an old one.

Your biggest clue though is that you said "I am sure I could handle it." That's a good start, shows you aren't afraid of it. Tell your boss you are sure you can handle the promotion and new job duties but that you need to know what current tasks you have that will be passed on to someone at a lower level when you accept the promotion. After all, you aren't sitting around underutilized now, are you? Your boss should expect to have to take some tasks away if new ones are being added.

Good luck! And congratulations!

 

[Merelan]

Very recently I turned down a promotion. It would mean longer hours and alot more work. Also more stress, and responsibility. I thought about it and talked it over with my family. We decided that even though the money would be very nice, and I was honored for the chance, I would turn it down.
I don't regret it at all. I see the woman they put in there and in the 2 months she has been trying to do the job, has lost weight, sleep and her home life suffers.
There is a time when your health and family, and your own peace of mind must come first.
In a similar case. My husband stepped down out of a high position into what some family members call a menial hourly job. But here's the best part. I see him now. He isn't always on the road. When he was home before he would be doing paperwork and be so tired and wound up with work. Well, it is better now. Much better. Sure we don't have all the things that society tells us we "must" have. But we have time and our health. What else really matters?

 

[Patryn]

Yes, I've turned down a promotion. It would have meant, as has already been mentioned, moving to a new city, which wouldn't have been so bad, but the main reason I turned it down was that it would have also meant working in a department that wasn't the best organized, and had a lot of internal problems. I also wanted to go back to school, and that wouldn't have been possible with the work schedule I would have had.

If I were in your position, I would rather do the job I had well than struggle at a "higher" postition. But that may just be me. Do what you feel you can handle.

 

[Ambrosious]

Thank you everyone,

Cheyenne, the promotion would mean more money and an assistant, so it wouldn't mean more work per hour. The only concern I have is trying to train my assistant in a job that I am just now getting a handle on. We could both learn at the same time though.

 

[Bliss]

hee hee

The good thing about getting a new assistant is that most likely they will be concentrating on their own learning and expectations and won't notice yours. If you are reasonably sure that you'll be able to pick up on the new *skills*, don't be afraid to jump in and give it a try.

But make sure it's something you'd actually enjoy doing! I'm with Merelan's thoughts that *money, money, money* can't be the bottom line. Although being able to pay the bills is nice, keeping up with the Jones' doesn't really provide for your well being.

 

[Guest]

Sounds like the Peter Principle to me.

 

[Cheyenne]

The only concern I have is trying to train my assistant in a job that I am just now getting a handle on. We could both learn at the same time though.

It sounds more and more like you want this promotion to me- you are already thinking of how you would make it work for you. I'm guessing that is a good example of why you are being considered for promotion again- thinking ahead and planning. Those skills are actually harder to find in good employees than you may think!

Come up with a written plan, if only for yourself, as to what you would do if you got the promotion. What kind of an assistant would you need- skill set? Personality? What work would be moved to the assistant level and what work would you keep? Is it easily split or could you actually work together on projects as a team? Working on that plan should tell you if you are really excited about the new opportunity or if you are considering it only because you are flattered that they want you, and you want the higher pay. My guess is you are excited, but a little scared because you are being pushed to expand your skills at a fairly quick pace. Your plan will tell you if you think you can handle it or not, and if you want to handle it or not.

 

[Bliss]

There's a thought! Do you have enough senority to get a hand in picking your own assistant or are you stuck with the luck of the draw?

I encourage you to go for it, if you really want to. Will they let you change your mind if it doesn't work out? My Sweetie works in an IT department where they are willing to even hire you back if you'd gone *looking for greener pastures*, but I know that's relatively rare in other fields.