On promotion track, but do I want it?

[NCjobquestion]

Using this as a sounding block of sorts I suppose.

I got a promotion 6 months ago having worked on a jumbo project for the last 2 years as assistant project manager. I'm still very much feeling the jump up in workload and expectations on me and have been handed the next project which is very similar to the jumbo project, except I'm the PM, not the assistant.

Today I've found myself on a call where I'm the most junior colleague (whilst being a middling/senior grade) and several presenters are making reference to "the majority here are directors and associate directors..." And I'm certainly not either. I'm a couple levels down!

Between these 2 things, and being compared always positively to another more senior colleague, it's got me wondering if the company is trying to pull me onwards to the next grade.

The money would be lovely, the responsibility not so much though perhaps I'd get used to it. But going at the current rate, where I constantly feel completely swamped, how do I work out if I even want the next promotion?!

Your post suggests you think promotion is about more work. It should be about more responsibility, as you have also pointed out. Is there a discrete way for you to get hold of the job description for the next grade? Then you could do a proper analysis, perhaps by using highlighting pens to show 1. Already competent 2. A bit of a stretch 3. A lot of a stretch. You may find you're already operating close to the next level. Once you've done that, and if you can afford it, a few sessions with a coach to get beneath the skin of what's holding you back.

If you do t accept the promotion, they’ll still have you doing the work

I think you’re overanalysing what was said. Not at all unusual for PMs to attend senior meetings about their project. Would focus on perforning well in this role, building your skills etc, then look at your future options.

It’s unprofessional of colleague(s) if they are directly comparing you to a more senior colleague.

Interesting takes on this. Thanks @IdaGlossopi may get the highlighters out... It would be very quick progression if I was to move up again any time soon. I just worry as I really am on the brink of managing my current workload. And have said as much, I'm not hiding it.

@Loopytilesthe meeting with directors was completely separate to any projects I'm managing, otherwise I'd agree, it wouldn't be unusual.

And yes @angelinawasrobbedtheyll still have me do most of the work if I turned down a promotion. I know of someone (albeit in a different company) where exactly that has happened. But they still won't take the promotion.

I was promoted up two levels to senior management. The volume of work is smaller and there’s more thinking space, but I have some very challenging decision making responsibility.

This is such good advice.

I wish I had this advice about it not being more work. It’s about working differently including effective delegation giving you time to think.

A key part of many senior roles is less transactional day to day work and more thinking time.