You have been offered promotion and you think that's great. After the initial enthusiasm, however, doubts begin to creep into your mind; you start to ask yourself more and more questions. What if accepting the offer would be a mistake? Should you listen to your inner voice? Specialists from the Robert Half recruitment agency recommend considering every promotion offer very carefully. On CareerBuilder.com, they summarised the following questions that everyone should answer.
Are you ready?
Can you handle more responsibilities every day? Do not you lack some important training or experience?
Do you want more responsibility?
Are you ready to work more hours, travel more or attend more meetings? Can you manage demanding projects and especially your subordinates? How much will your working day change?
Could it be a step into a blind alley?
Does the job offer other career advancement opportunities?
Won't you miss the job you love?
Do you understand what it means to move from a specialist's role to a managerial one? As a manager, will you do an enjoyable and fulfilling job?
How will the new job affect your personal life?
Are you ready for less flexibility and less free time? What space will remain for your family and hobbies?
If you choose not to accept a promotion, tell your direct supervisor in private. Explain your reasons and thank him/her for his/her trust. The risk that you will not be offered another promotion in the future certainly exists; however, you can reduce that risk by regularly communicating with your supervisor about what you enjoy and where you want to move in your career. If the promotion attracts you, go for it. If, however, you think that it is not the right thing for you, wait for a better opportunity.
-kk-