To turn down a "promotion" because I don't care about prestige?

[omafiet]

It's not really a promotion, actually, rather a lateral move but one that carries a certain "prestige". I work in a corporate role, earning around £67k. Essentially 8-5 unless there's a major project on. My colleague, in a peer position, is retiring soon. She supports our executive team on certain regular projects. The work she does isn't much more complicated than mine (in fact much if it is rather administrative in nature) but she works closely with the Exec team and thus her role is more "visible" than mine. I think she earns s little more than me - £75k maybe.

The transition plan was that would take on a certain part of the "Exec facing" role, and I've been shadowing her for two cycles of a particular project.

I hate it. The work is surprisingly mundane and due to the timing of regular meetings, I actually will have a holiday "blackout" period of around 12 weeks a year. Non negotiable. Colleague is single with no children; I am married with 3 kids - that is to say, she has more flexibility to be able to stay late, take holiday without considering school schedules, for example, than I do.

Today I spoke with my boss and explained that after this short period shadowing, the work was not what I expected, and with the scheduling constraints, I didn't feel that I can commit in a way that the job requires. Boss was disappointed but respects my decision (so she says) but kept repeatedly saying that she's surprised that I am willing to let such an opportunity pass; lots of visibility to the Exec; working directly with the Board, etc. (public company).

Thing is, I just don't really care about "prestige" or "visibility". The nature of my role is that I won't really "progress" further than I am - but that's ok! I get to be home by 5:15 to spend time with my family, see my friends, do fun things. But her reaction is making me second-guess mine and I'm wondering if I'm making a mistake.

Does anyone have any advice or "been there, done that" wisdom? Thanks.

Visibility is only good for the perks that come with it - potential for promotion, bonuses, raises, or access to facilities you wouldnt normally have, a role that will be a stepping stone on your CV to a higher job somewhere else.
The girl who brings around the tea trolley is visible but not in any way that will have a positive impact on her career.

Your bosses want you to take the role because it means a seamless transition for them, with someone who already knows the ropes. Hence the “prestige” label

Well said.

Yes, that's the thing. What does the "prestige" get me? There's nowhere for me to progress within the company with that role - and if I wanted to move to another department (unlikely but you never know) I think the internal goodwill I have would be enough. At risk of blowing my own trumpet, but I'm seen as a very, very good employee. Also, I already have exposure to many of the execs already due to the work I'm doing now. The CEO/CFO all know me by name, and in fact I'm heading a team that'll be working closely with the CEO on another project. So even the extra visibility isn't that much of a draw.

You're so right about my boss seeing this through different eyes: she is a very ambitious workaholic to coin an old-fashioned phrase, and career progression is really a big deal to her. That's not a criticism - she's a fantastic boss and I thank my lucky stars that I report to her - but to give you some perspective, she once told me after a couple of glasses of wine that she gets more satisfaction from her work than parenting. Again, I'm not judging, but trying to illustrate how different our outlooks are.

Its absolutely fine to say that this promotion isn't what you're looking for and/or the increase in pay isn't enough to make extra responsibility & lack of flexibility worth it for you.

My job isnt prestigious. I work for a county council working with teens and families. I like my role and I'm good at it.
About 18 months a chance of promotion came up. It would have meant more management work and less case loads for about 10 k more pa.

Everybody including my manager told me to apply. I really couldn't be arsed. I'm wellmpaid by local standards doing a job I enjoy and make a visible difference to people's lives. I have a good work balance. There was no need for me to rock my life in any way. A year and a half later I still happy with my decision.

lot just to add to your post, i see your kids are still quite young so your descion makes perfect sense. Mine are olderand the youngest one is 19 so some may argue why wouldnt I want a promotion as I'm not tie dye to school holidays and doing the school run etc. Just because I'm not rushing round little ones doesn't mean I don't want to spend time with my family and friends. Our managers lives are ruled by being on call, making huge decisions about children's lives and a wrong decision could have a horrendous outcome for a child. No way do I want that!

There are four reasons to change job:-

1). It offers more money, which you want or need

2. It offers more attractive working conditions, e.g. shorter commute, more flexibility

3. You like the look of the job and are ready for a change.

4. it is progression, and you want progression.

If none of those apply, don’t do it.

Oh, I forgot needing a new job because of redundancy or relocation, but you get my drift.

Work/life balance is so important, the extra cash and ‘prestige’ mean nothing if you have to work longer hours and can’t take certain holidays. The balance is different for different people, but what’s important to you is a) the work isn’t very interesting and b) your current role allows you to spend time with your family.

There’s nothing in this new role which is worth the trade off, maybe the extra money, but if you’re comfortable already then there’s no point having extra cash and lose time with your kids. You’re doing the right thing.

As an aside, I used to know someone who was high up in a very corporate company. She was based in the head office, was paid an absolute shedload and was very respected but she worked regularly worked 15 hour days, weekends, missed out on social things from working late, rarely went on holiday and if she did she’d be on work calls on the beach. She spent loads of money on posh suits and stationery as that was the only thing she used - her life was her job. She eventually realised her misery, packed it in and became self employed as a driving instructor. Earns nowhere near the money she used to, and her former colleagues think she was mad to leave such a well paid steady job, but she can pick her own hours and she’s infinitely happier. Work is only one part of our lives.

Thanks everyone. I feel better about my decision. Thankfully the extra money is neither here nor there, as my husband earns much more than I do. This just isn't the right opportunity at the right time.

Puzzled said exactly what I wanted to say, but better. You aren’t gaining anything by this lateral move, and it sounds like you don’t enjoy the new work. So don’t do it.