Anyone turned down a promotion/admitted that you are just not interested in career progression?

[Eastie77]

And if so, can I ask what the impact was? I'm being encouraged to move into more prominent roles at work and another hiring manager has said he would like me to join his team. For a variety of lifestyle reasons I don't want to do anything more challenging than the work I'm doing at the moment. Joining this new team would significantly impact my current flexible work situation.

I'm not sure how best to position this with my own manager (who has been pushing me to progress) without sounding workshy. Most people within our organisation move up within 2/3 years. I've been in my role for 5 years but have 2 DC so that has been interspersed by maternity leave. I think the perception is that I'm coasting a bit although my performance reviews have consistently been 'outstanding'/'exceeds expectations' etc.

Posting for advice or experiences from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

Hmmm. Not exactly similar, but I used to be Department Head; the next step up was faculty head - and the phrase poisoned chalice seemed the aptest description, so I stalled any ambition for promotion within.
Of course, later I quit the entire industry....

Oh yes, I've done that - at companies where promotion would have meant entering management, and getting out of technical. Sod that.

Ten years later and I'm management, but hey ho - I'm ready for it now!

Sort of. The role is basically the same, but I’ve moved from an international job with a long UK commute to a UK-based job with a 7 minute commute, taking a £20k pay cut at the same time.

Decision taken because of stress/childcare/appalling traffic.

Now I pay less childcare, less fuel & depreciation on the car, and less stringent dress requirements. So real cost is about £10k a year. I gained two hours a day x 220 days a year, and reduced my stress by 80%.

I don’t think you should say “not interested in career progression”

Instead “doesn’t fit with my personal responsibilities” or some such

My ex line manager used to constantly push me and my team to go for promotion or progression. She just couldn't comprehend that not everyone wants a 'career' and that some people are more than happy to just do a damn good job, get paid, and go home.

Yes, I have been in this position for the last few years. I have done the higher position in the past and hated it. It's not for me at all. Maybe sometime in the distant future.
I used to get asked to go for promotion all the time and I just framed it that I was good at the job I did and would rather be an expert/trainer/mentor in the role I'm in than be struggling in a higher role. They don't ask me anymore.
The only impact is that people expect you to be less experienced and knowledgeable than you are and don't realize how long I've been here. I'm a bit of a second class citizen these days but that's more to do with being part time. And it doesn't bother me.

Yes, been doing that for years! Several of the employees I line-managed as trainees and throughout their 5+ years career progression are now more senior than me. It's only a matter of time before one of them is my line manager! I have a lot of outside-of-work business and personal interests that mean i dont need to nor want to progress further. I'm very well respected within my company and my advice is frequently sought from people 'more senior' than me. Suits me fine.

Not happened to me yet but I can see I will have to have this conversation in the future. There seems to be the constant pressure that you MUST want to climb all the way to the top of the corporate ladder.

Like you, my priorities are my out of work, personal life. My current role and responsibilities allow me to work flexibly and enjoy my personal life. Why can't people just accept some people are happy with where they are - doing the job they are paid to do and going home!

Thanks for replies.

Lucy I really don't want the promotion at all. It is the next logical step up from what I'm doing now but a great deal more demanding, dealing with very senior stakeholders and deadline driven.The new manager is a 'lean in' advocate who thinks staying in the office to dial into conference calls with the US at 9pm is normal. She and I are polar opposites.

My current role is demanding but not stressful at all as I know what I am doing and can cope with my clients. It's complex but the projects I work on are ongoing so I can pace delivery. The pay is very good and I've just been given a significant payrise completely out of the blue (I suspect this is because of my company's gender pay gap but that's a whole different thread!). Most importantly I get on really well with my manager. However I can tell he is perplexed about my indifference towards moving up. Junior colleagues have joined the team and moved on whilst I'm still in the same position.

I now need to produce to plan ahead of my next performance review outlining my progression plans for the next 6-12 months. As a PP mentioned, my company is also obsessed with career advancement etc. I don't think I can truthfully tell my manager in my review the reasons for wanting to stay where I am: it suits my flexible working requirements so I can spend time with my DC (I manage my workload so condense work Mon-Thurs) and I have zero interest in my industry or work. My role is quite impressive on paper but my real interests
are entirely outsside of my job. Unfortunately they are not very lucrative so following a career in those paths isn't viable.

Whois I can also see I'm a bit of a second class citizen/overlooked but it genuninely doesn't bother me!

I turned down a management position.
Money wouldn't compensate me for the stress.
I've no regrets.
The person who took the job loves it and wants to go further up the management ladder.
Horses for courses.

I've got this exact situation however my manager is fantastic and totally gets it. I talk about wanting to progress in my emotional intelligence etc without taking on extra responsibility at this time that would upset my work life balance. My development plan surrounds ability to cope with certain situations and adjusting my line management skills rather than focusing in on the next job up! No major advice for you but hope it works out OK.

I think I would phrase it as you would LOVE to progress but you cannot give any more time at this point due to your family responsibilities.

Is it worth asking if you can move up on your current working pattern? They can only say no and then it’s their move and you’ve shown willing.

You’re consistently exceeding in your current role so it makes sense they feel you could do well at the next level.

I haven't gone for a promotion because if I did I would need to take on new terms and conditions. All new employees are taken on a 37 hour week, but employees on old contracts like me are on 35 per week. As a parent I do not want or need to work and longer hours. There are other perks of the old contracts but I can't recall them at present.