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Ask the Expert: Finding Balance Natalie Gahrmann is a success coach and owner of N-R-G Coaching Associates, a private coaching company that specializes in helping working parents achieve mastery of work and life. Her clients experience more clarity, direction and alignment while reducing stress in their busy lives.
Turning Down a PromotionLyn writes, "I'm in senior management at a fortune 500 company and have just been offered a promotion. However, I have two young children and the new position would require considerably more travel and I'm not sure I want to spend that much time away from my family. How can I turn down the promotion without ruining my chances for promotions within the company later?"Answer: Turning down a promotion is a bit risky. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that opportunities will be available again in the future. However, it is important that you follow your heart. Having a position that requires considerably more travel and more responsibilities will undoubtedly pull you away from your family a lot more. Your children will only be young once! When I worked in the Corporate world, I did turn down a promotion opportunity immediately after I returned from care of newborn for my first child. It was unnerving because I had worked so hard to have that opportunity. I knew the timing was all wrong. I sat with my boss and had a very honest discussion and agreed to let him know when I felt ready to pursue advancement opportunities. I continued to perform at exceptional levels and get recognized for my outstanding accomplishments. Once I became more comfortable with balancing work and family, I spoke with my boss again. This time I let him know that I was ready and the types of positions I would consider. I made it clear that I was not looking for a job with excess travel and was willing to wait for the right position. Fortunately, it came along and I was much happier! In another case, I had a client who was offered a position outside her current employer. The position was significantly more money, more travel and more responsibilities. She seriously considered accepted this position and explored her reasons for wanting it and not wanting it. In the end, she chose not to accept it. Then she had a meeting with her boss to reengineer her current job so that she had more opportunities. As a result, she and her sales team had their best year ever! She was happy and she was able to continue focusing on her family as her top priority. So, the moral of the story, you must first decide your limitations and communicate them straightforwardly. If you want to be re-considered for future opportunities, be sure to state that you will consider advancement and more responsibilities in the future--your concern is to do exceptional work for the company and you know you can't do this if you are overly concerned about leaving your family so frequently. Stay abreast of other opportunities as they develop. If you are a strong candidate for promotion and have proven yourself, I believe other opportunities will come along. Focusing on your priorities and making conscious decisions will help you enjoy your life. Getting promoted to the wrong position can be even more detrimental to your career than not accepting a promotion. Develop a career plan that's in synch with your family and personal commitments. Keep developing the skills that will lead to growth opportunities either inside your current employer or for another company. Wishing you much success and happiness!
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