Careers: When you don’t want that promotion

Many people choose to not climb from rung to rung as work-life balance and their mental health are prioritised, knowing that in many cases, added responsibilities and more on your plate means something’s got to give somewhere else. — TNS/Dreamstime

I am in line to become a manager. Only thing is, I don’t want to get promoted. It may sound crazy, but I’m not interested in more headaches; honestly, I prefer to just coast. Can I do that – can I tell my boss no?

Absolutely! Congrats on the opportunity, but as you just pointed out – you are in the driver’s seat for your career. That means being proactive and knowing what’s best for you.

If that promotion is not what you want, then follow that north star.

Also know that you’re not alone. Many people choose to not climb from rung to rung as work-life balance and their mental health are prioritised, knowing in many cases (not all, but many) with more responsibilities and more on your plate means something’s gotta give somewhere else. (That said, there are many benefits I’m sure you know to a promotion including, of course, higher pay.)

You may want to tell your boss you prefer to not accept the promotion. But, you may ask if that can hinder your chances of a promotion later. And will the company want to put their needs first by moving you into a role that fills their needs as well? Perhaps, maybe and yes, but you owe it to yourself to drive your career at this moment in cruise control.

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My company said they don’t have a budget for training and yet they’re reimbursing my peer for her MBA. Whom should I talk to about this?

Talk to your boss. Schedule a meeting and, prior to the meeting, research the specific training opportunities you want to pursue and the cost. Then, when you have a meeting you can mention it’s your understanding there isn’t a budget for training, it’s your understanding that your colleague is getting an MBA reimbursed (because if you haven’t seen receipts for sure, then you can only go on the assumption that it’s being reimbursed compared to perhaps only certain fees which in the end is still more than nothing), so which budget can you similarly tap into for your training endeavours?

If the answer isn’t what you want, meaning it’s a no while your colleague’s getting a degree funded, then you may want to start looking for a new job. My concern is the bigger picture of not treating employees fairly. – Tribune News Service/Vicki Salemi

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Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach in the United States.