Your boss is waiting for you, all smiles, in his office. He jumps right into the subject; he is offering you a promotion that, in his eyes, is an excellent step on your way to the top. Can you turn down his offer without jeopardizing your future?
It certainly is a tricky situation, but a number of factors might be holding you back: the kids are still young, you don’t feel that you have the right skill set for the job or you prefer filling a technical rather than an administrative role. These few examples all very justifiable as long as you make sure you present them in such a way as to not alienate your superior or jeopardize any future advancement opportunity.
It is always wise to ask for a few days in order to carefully weigh your options before giving a definitive answer. Take this time to discuss the issues with family and friends while weighing the pros and the cons and making a few personal inquiries in order to gather all the variables required to make a sound decision.
If, after all is said and done, you still feel the need to decline the offer, take the time to explain your reasoning in a credible manner as to why you feel the offer isn’t up to your expectations or not necessarily adapted to your individual strengths. Use this opportunity to offer alternatives, clarify your career objectives and request any training that may help you reach your career goals.
In doing so, you will have demonstrated your seriousness and keen level of interest in the success of the business, which, in the long term, can only be beneficial to your career plans.