To turn down promotion?

[Starrynight844]

I have a 10 mth old baby and am also 6 mths pregnant. Due back at work for two months between the two periods of maternity leave and have been invited to apply internally for a promotion. Salary would be £15k more with a lot of extra responsibility. All wfh so childcare arrangements wouldn’t need to change. I feel
obliged to put myself forward, but deep down I know I don’t want the job… at least know right now. Maybe in a few years. The extra stress with not just one but two babies age under 2 could be too much for me. (I’ve struggled badly with workplace anxiety and burnout in the past). Current plan would be to return to
my current role full time next year. My question is should you always go for promotions regardless? Feel like I’ve been hardwired that I should constantly want to earn more and more and should ‘throw my hat into the ring’ to show keenness and enthusiasm. I’d only been in my current role a year before starting mat leave and that was a significant step up

deep down I know I don’t want the job

That’s enough. You know you don’t want it so no, you don’t have to go for it. I would suggest you just explain that the timing isn’t right for you now but it’s something you’d definitely consider in the future. Then they know you’ve not closed the door entirely on the prospect of future promotions.

Well I assume you'd be out on mat leave soon anyway? If it was me I would go for it, because I'd be keen to have that increased salary whilst out for 9mths or whatever.

Thanks for your reply. I am edging towards this and having an honest conversation with my boss. of course, the extra money would be lovely but it’s one of those heart v head scenarios

Yes I’d be leaving on mat leave soon after starting the promotion. My concerns are more about what happens when back FT with two little ones. A few years ago I had a really bad period of anxiety due to stress/burnout and ended up having to leave my job - and that was without kids. Am so worried about that happening again

i would just tell them that it’s not the right time for you to apply for promotion due to having a little one and another one due soon. Don’t apply for a job you don’t want to do.

I was asked to go for promotion last year but weighed up my options and decided against it, this was because I wasn’t 100% happy in my job and I actually applied for a new job out with the company which I got offered and took.