How to Turn Down a Job Promotion
Sometimes a promotion is not what you are hoping for. Learn the 3 easy ways to properly turn down a promotion without sabotaging your job.
In the last few weeks, I introduced a series on job interviewing etiquette. We discussed what to wear, what to say, and how to follow up. And although this is not technically Part 4, how to properly handle turning down a job promotion is an important aspect of workplace decorum.
Let’s fast forward to after you landed the job and after you became an all-star employee. Your boss calls you into his office and offers you a very generous promotion… but what happens when you don’t want to accept?
Why Turn Down a Promotion?
I know what you’re thinking: Turning down the opportunity to advance your career sounds crazier than turning down a job as a taste tester for Ben & Jerry’s (which DOES exist by the way!). However, not every promotion comes with the cherry on top you envisioned. Sure, making more money, and having a corner office is very attractive, but sometimes your future can be ugly if you don’t think this new role out. That is why your future should be the first thing you consider, rather than the immediate effects the new job (and paycheck) will have on your life.
The goal here is to figure out how to properly turn down the promotion so it won’t backfire on your current job situation. So with that, here are my 3 easy tips on how to properly turn down a job promotion:
Tip #1 – Time v. Money
It’s very easy to say that having your salary increased by 30% is a no brainer, but that increase likely comes with strings attached. I have met many people who took a job promotion because they felt they had to and despite enjoying the raise, soon realized that their time is more valuable than that corner office… which has now become their home. More money means more time in the office or on the road, and perhaps you’re not ready for that level of commitment.
So, what is proper etiquette to let your boss know that you’re flattered but can’t accept? The best way to approach the conversation is by being honest. Explaining your life and schedule to your boss will paint of picture of your situation, and make your boss understand your reasons for declining. Try something like this: “First of all, I’m incredibly flattered by your generous offer. But right now, with our kids’ schedules, I can’t commit to weekend trips and later nights.” Or if you have no kids say, “You have no idea how appreciative I am of this opportunity. But I’m considering going back to school part time and given my future time constraints, I would not want to give you a false promise of more time in the office.”
The main thing to remember is to always be appreciative. Your boss should understand that your personal life takes priority and respect that. Plus, your honesty will be viewed as reassurance of why they thought of you for the job in the first place.
Tip #2 – Turn the Tables
When offered a job promotion, with the opportunity for more money, people often say “yes” before finding out the details. Next thing you know, that new briefcase you just treated yourself to is holding a thousand pounds of paperwork. Plus, employers automatically think you will accept their offer (and what comes with it), and often fail to mention the details of the new role.
So, when you are offered a job promotion, turn the tables on the boss and ask them all the fine points that come with the new gig. Here are a few serious questions that you should ask, albeit with the right terminology for your specific job:
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“Will it require travel – or more travel?”
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“Will I have to alter my attire for the new job?”
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“Will I need to be on call at all hours?”
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“Will I be interacting more with clients?”
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“How much more does the role pay?”
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“Am I being relocated? Will I ever be relocated?”
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“Who will I be working under, or with?”
All of these are KEY points to bring up when a new job is offered. Then, if there are issues with your boss’ replies, you have to take them into consideration when making your decision. If you decide against the offer, give a concrete reason, such as “Thank you for this tremendous opportunity, but I just bought a new house and we can’t afford to relocate now.” Or, “As much as I greatly appreciate you thinking of me, I have had a very hard time working with PERSON A and I am not sure that it’s healthy for me to continue under them.”
Tip #3 – It’s Your Future, Choose Wisely
In the 2 earlier tips, the end result is always about how the promotion would affect your personal life – both good and bad. But another thing to consider is how it will affect your life at the company.
When offered a new job, you have to ask your employer what the status of the company is going to be in 5 or 10 years and where you fit in. I know that they may not have the answer but they should have a general idea – enough to know where you will stand in the future.
If your employer can’t properly identify where you will be down the road, sadly that is a red flag and you should let them know it. “As much as I greatly appreciate this job offer, I am not sure that I feel comfortable not knowing where my career is heading. Can we talk more about this in a few months, once you are more settled on the overall plan?”
Too blunt? Too aggressive? No, not at all. After all, you don’t want to take a new job, move away, change your lifestyle, stay locked up in an office for 80 hours a week, only to find yourself high and dry 3 months later.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s very hard to turn down a job promotion in this economy – or in general – but if you handle it properly, showing full respect for your boss and the offer itself, both you and the boss will feel much better about your decision.
Do you have a great story about how you handled turning down a job promotion? Post all the details in Comments below. As always, if you have another manners question, I look forward to hearing from you at manners@quickanddirtytips.comcreate new email. Check out my Modern Manners Guy Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @MannersQDT, and of course, check back next week for more Modern Manners Guy tips.
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