This story is a cracker. There have been a couple of times when I’ve regretted taking a promotion. The organisational politics were terrible in one position and I didn’t stay long. This story is by Anna Goldfarb from The New York Times, 12 Feb 2019

“It’s an idea ingrained in the American approach to work: A promotion is an unconditional acknowledgment of your success and it’s a path to even more success.

But what if that’s not the case? What if, contrary to our collective cultural outlook on workplace advancement, you don’t want a promotion that was offered to you?

Lauren Sieben, 29, eagerly accepted a promotion to the role of digital editor at a small Midwestern newspaper six years ago despite not having management experience. She was thrown into the position “with nary a ‘Management 101’ pep talk,” she said.

Her lack of adequate training or support from higher-ups was immediately apparent: Changes she initiated were met with resistance from longtime employees, which made her feel ineffective and disrespected.

“When you consider that I was 23 years old and trying to convince people twice my age to change their ways, it didn’t go over well,” she said. Although she had planned to stay in the role for several years, the situation became untenable. She floundered for a year until she resigned and found a new job in another industry.

A lack of qualifications is just one of many reasons you might want to decline a promotion: The timing isn’t right; the new job comes with increased pressures and demands; longer work hours and travel commitments are required; you’re satisfied where you are and aren’t ready for a change; or maybe you just don’t want to be in management.

Carefully examining the particulars of a promotion is essential, as the offer might not be attractive on closer inspection.

It’s wise to be cleareyed as you weigh your options, because the new gig might negatively impact your health if it’s not a good fit. Chronic work-related stress can cause high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also lead to burnout

For the full story go to: