Employee gets offered a promotion but is told they'll have to ‘work hard’ to prove themselves, employee decides to firmly decline instead: 'I'm not interested in the slightest'

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Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Mar 1, 2025 1:00 PM EST

Even though we are all taught to aspire to move forward in our careers, sometimes moving forward isn't really the course you want for yourself. 'Moving up' or being promoted is an offer that is never made without a price to pay, and it should be valid for people to be wary of that choice. 

It's crucial to remember that getting a promotion is very different from getting a raise. Usually, a raise is given as a way to show an employee they are doing a good job in their current role, and are being encouraged to keep it up. After getting the raise, their role stays the same, and they are (generally) not expected to make any changes to it.

However, with a promotion, employees are very much expected to take on more responsibilities and work harder than before. Sure, it may also come with a nice raise, but if you are not really interested in changing your current position, you might not be interested in being promoted at all. And we are left wondering – is that such a bad thing?

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  • That is what is going through the employee's head in the story below. They coworker just left their job, which opened up their role and a possibility for a big promotion.

    However, the employee doesn't really seem interested in this promotion and is now wondering how they should bring that up with their boss.

    Keep scrolling to read the full story.

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    Cheezburger Image 10473280256
    via dragana991

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 02

    "How to politely say I'm not interested in a promotion I'm told I need to "fight for"?"

    A close coworker of mine is accepting a major promotion, and will be moving on from his current role. Our responsibilities, titles, and pay are virtually
    via city-lights77
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    identical, and I assumed his responsibilities would largely fall to me, with some support from the rest of the team. However, he told me in confidence that they were
    via city-lights77
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    instead looking to backfill his role, and that our manager was only interested in an outside hire, saying I "wasn't ready" for the responsibility. He added that I would need
    via city-lights77
  • 05
    to "fight for" the promotion, and prove that I was indeed up to the challenge. I have not yet spoken to my manager about this role. Frankly, I'm not interested in
    via city-lights77
  • 06
    the slightest. I don't want the job, and the menial pay raise (less than $3k a year) wouldn't be nearly worth the added stress that I know accompanies the job.
    via city-lights77
  • 07
    If and when my manager approaches me with this suggestion that I need to prove myself and "fight for" this promotion, what is a civil way to say I have no intention of doing so, and I will stay right where I am?
    via city-lights77
  • 08
    soonerpgh It's a business decision. Just be straightforward about it. "The compensation for the role isn't enough to justify the added responsibility and stress. Thanks, but no."
    via city-lights77
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    Cheezburger Image 10473272576
    via Prostock-Studio

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

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    Lumpy_Square_2365 You could just say you're happy in your current role and don't wish to apply for the position. For 3k it's not worth it at all. Seems like you have a
    via Lumpy_Square_2365
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    pretty good work personal life balance and that's kinda priceless. Chances are if they're wanting to hire externally then you prob won't have to have the
    via Lumpy_Square_2365
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    conversation. They are probably waiting to see if you have interest before talking to you about it.
    via Lumpy_Square_2365
  • 13
    Seasons71 Four Don't say anything. Move forward as if you don't know anything. But if they don't give the promotion to you, be ready
    via Seasons71Four
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    with a reason why you can't train the new person. It should mimic the reason they give you for not getting it. If they ask/offer it to you, reply with "I'm interested in
    via Seasons71Four
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    discussing exactly what that entails regarding responsibilities, salary, and my existing position." Have your $# requirement ready. And make it clear that you aren't absorbing a 2nd job; 2 people do it now so 2 people need to do it in the future.
    via Seasons71Four
  • 16
    MariaJane833 Tell your friend that you really appreciate their support (because I'm sure they want the best for you), and that you aren't interested In that particular opportunity and believe you should be more
    via MariaJane833
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    passionate and excited to move into a new role and you just aren't for this one and you are at peace about that. If they are a true supporter/friend they will
    via MariaJane833
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    respect it - they might ask a few questions but overall not pressure you to do something you aren't interested in.
    via MariaJane833
  • 19
    warmowed I doubt the manager would approach you by the sounds of it (if they are already committed to an external search), but if they did and they said "it's a competitive
    via warmowed
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    opening". I would just say "The compensation for the change in responsibilities is not enough, but thank you for letting me know about the opening." It's a simple no based on business reasons.
    via warmowed
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    Who knows maybe they can get extra salary and make it worth it for you. How much would you want? 5k, 10k?
    via warmowed
  • 22
    JimmDunn eventually, they are not going to hire anyone and just give you all the responsibility a bit at a time until you are doing it all.
    via JimmDunn
  • 23
    WorkMeBaby1MoreTime "It's more work and I'd do it for the right amount of money. And it would have to be an immediate raise, not a promise for something maybe happening in the future."
    via WorkMeBaby1MoreTime

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promotion boss workplace-stories employee manager job tales-from-the-workplace coworkers reddit story ceo overworked-employees workplace Reddit company quitting
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