How should I turn down a promotion I don't want?

Top Employee Response

Say no thank you

Simply state why it is not fit for you.

You should not turn down a promotion. If you do the opportunity will not come again at that work place.

Normally I would say NO. However, will it temporally get you to the position that you want to be in? Maybe, YES.

Say "I would prefer to concentrate on where I am, and become really really good at it, rather than having to be in a new position where I will need to learn" But later, you need to think if it was a matter of time for you, or if you don't like your job, your company or why you didn't want to do it for real?

Ask for the job that you do want

First you need to ask yourself if your lack of desire for the promotion is truly warranted, or if it's simply fear of failure. If you decide ultimately that the promotion is not beneficial to your personal wellbeing, you have a few options. The first, is to have a candid conversation with whoever is trying to promote you. Let them know that you personally feel you serve in a much more appropriate capacity staying where you are at. Alternatively, you could always take the promotion and see how things pan out, who knows, maybe you'll find out this is a path you truly want to take. The last option would obviously be quitting, or even finding another job, but take advantage of the opportunity to grow, even if it IS outside your comfort zone!

No thank you if it's not what you want