I work in a large organisation but in a very small team.
I have been with the team for 5 years and used to be brilliant at my job. 1 kid later, I developed health problems with mean i struggle with my concentration, memory and I just don't feel "with it" any more. I am nowhere near as good at my job as I used to be.
Lots of dramas on the team - line manager has spent years making inappropriate comments at me, slapped my arse and pretended to hump me (don't ask!!). It's not just me, there are a few other women in the office who have had to deal with this behaviour as well. I was early 20's when I joined the team and found it all a bit of a laugh and a joke (yes, self esteem can't have been great looking back). After having a child I just don't see it in quite the same way and I just think "grow the fuck up". Aware that I could get him sacked very easily but I would've considered him a friend a few years back and I would not want to ruin someone's life.
I have seen another side to him recently where he has bullied another member of the team quite badly. Gone to great lengths to make her life hell. The bullied member of staff is also a massive bully so it's a six of one, half a dozen of the other sort of thing. But I was surprised at how far he was willing to go to ruin her life at work. A few people had warned me about him and told me to be careful as he's very manipulative etc. Years later, I now realise what they meant. I can't see past it and I really resent him and struggle to act like I still like him. He treats me really well (bar the comments) and I don't think he would try to make my life hell.
A position has come up in the office whereby I could gain a temporary promotion (a very small percentage of the next grade up - literally something ridiculous like £30-40 extra a month). This would mean I would be at the same grade as my line manager. We would be working on very separate things but I know he sees the building as "his building" and he interferes in the other side of work and is quite stubborn and, again, makes life difficult for everyone until he gets what he wants.
I do most of the work of the next grade up anyway. I would have to put a bit more effort in and would have to chair some meetings (which is a massive fear of mine, but I guess a way to break out of my comfort zone?!). I would have to really try and be on the ball whereas now I can slack a bit if I am tired from being up in the night etc. the temporary promotion could allow me to get a permanent promotion on a much better wage, but not necessarily.
Given all of the above, would you take the temporary promotion or do you also think it's not worth the hassle? I am in 2 minds about it. What I really want is to just leave the team and move sideways but there aren't any positions available at the minute.