Ever get offered a promotion and not want it?

[jandumm]

I work in a specialized engineering field - I've been in this field for about 5 years (straight out of school), 3 years with my present employer. There's currently a shortage of engineers to fill positions in this field across the GTA - thus my company is having difficulties filling open positions in our department, especially the more senior ones.

I've received unofficial word that I'm being considered to be put in a team lead position (i haven't applied for any)...they're in a bit of a crunch, not too many folks with leadership skills (more techie engineers) and my performance has indicated that I have the right "jib".

The problem is i don't want it...not yet anyway....for the following reasons:

1. I feel that I'm not ready - other leads have 10-20 years experience and all the knowledge that comes with that experience. I am still in the learning phases of my career. I don't feel like i"m equipped yet to do the job properly - the technical stuff is okay but not the political/project management side of it yet.
2. I also feel that they might be taking a bit of advantage - to pay me half of what they pay a more senior person to do the same job - i've been given assignments above my level to help "develop" me when colleagues my senior are doing less. I would have to say I am a little bit cynical.
3. I also feel it's unethical - we design safety critical systems that thousands of people rely on everyday. If I make a mistake, people's lives are on the line - not to mention the company's reputation, future, etc....


Anyone else been in a similar situation? Any advice on how to handle it? Am I being overly pessimistic? Will turniing it down indicate a lack of confidence? Should I just plunge right in and "sink or swim"?

[corrupt123]

I think in your position, I'd just go with the flow. If they offer you the job, let them know how you feel. Personally I'd take the job, but let them know that you're much more inexperienced in that respect and you'd be more comfortable with someone "watching over your shoulder" per-se for a while.

The reason I say you should take it now is because you're getting a 10-15 year advance in your career (if they do offer you the job and you accept) so just imagine where you could be 10-15 years from now. The extra cash will be nice too.

Out of curiosity, what field and company are you a part of? You dont have to be specific, I'm just curious as I'm considering engineering; but exactly what component I'm not sure.

[ItemFinder]

There are definitely valid reasons not to consider a promotion. For example, if you got promoted to 100k from 90k, but was required to work overtime including weekends. The amount of extra money you'd make doesn't justify the increase workload and responsibility considering taxes take most of it.

[zero_]

Agree with ^

Not just $ but also the additional responsbilities and time you may/will need to put in for the new role.

[jandumm]

my field of specialization is safety critical system design...system design is fairly common. Its the safety critical part that adds the complexity as there's certain tools/techniques that are used when designing systems that have dire consequences if they fail...and theres the whole thing of demonstrating that the system is safe...think military, nuclear, aeronautics, railway, space. I've worked in 2 of those industries :)