How to turn down a promotion without being a target

morbid42 · 15 Nov 2019 at 18:26

Hi,

As title says, a vacancy has come about and i am the person wanted to fill it. I have no interest in this and looking for ideas of how to diplomatically say no, and not face any consequences.

Thanks

tom_e · 15 Nov 2019 at 18:44

No thank you I'm happy where I am.

If that makes you a target then get out and work somewhere decent.

Andybtsn · 15 Nov 2019 at 20:10

So they think that highly of you to offer a promotion but if you decline they will want rid of you? Does not make sense.

What’s the promotion? Why don’t you want it?

RobDogDog · 15 Nov 2019 at 20:15

I got asked if I'd do something extra at work earlier in the year that I didn't really have any interest in doing. Kept my response short; something like:

'Dear *name*, Thank you for coming to me with this opportunity but after much deliberation I have decided to respectfully decline the offer. Kind regards, Rob'.

Nothing more was said of it to me. They offered the role out to all staff and no one went for it lol. Think I made the right choice there!

dowie · 15 Nov 2019 at 23:24

Depends in part on the reasons/context etc.. - I mean one obvious consequence is they now just think you don't want to progress/are happy where you are and so you just stay there, plod away and get mediocre pay rises each year etc.. if you're happy with that then I don't see the issue?

Is it that you would rather progress in some different direction? This promotion makes it harder for some lateral move to a different area or takes you out of the running for a different promotion? If you're still keen/enthusiastic etc.. then just tell them! Let them know what your goals are etc... and discuss how to get there etc.. make a plan with them - if you get some agreement that you can take this promotion and still work towards whatever it is then... well do that but hold them to it, if they don't deliver when they say they will then go get another job.