How do I turn down a "promotion"?

Question

I work for a bank delivering shares to the NY stock exchange. There are 2 other people who do the recieves. One of the guys who does the recieves is transfering to another department soon, and my boss wants me to take over his position. This is probablly the worst, most stress-filled job in the company (hence why the guy is transfering departments, he's only been doing it 8 months and he wants out). On a scale of 1 to 10, deliveries is a 3. Recieves is an 8, 9 on a bad day. I by no means want this job. The amount of email alone is enough to drown you.

Is there a way to decline the job, without looking bad, not a team player, or lazy?

Can I decline because they aren't gonna give me a raise?

One of the biggest problems for me personally though, I would have to work earlier and later.

I think I'm going to have to take the position though. How can I turn this around? How would I get a HUGE raise for doing it (like at least 3k more a year)? Or some other fringe benefits

Answer 1

The only thing you can really do if you dont want the job is just say that the schedule conflicts with priorities you have now.

Answer 2

This is a promotion isn't it ? therefore there is an increase. and how did you know that you can't do it? Also would you know how much the increase would be? If ever you don't want the position I think you better ask your boss in a different way like "I think boss the job you're offering simply don't match my skills and knowledge. Do you think it would be fair to the company if you place someone like me very unfamiliar with the work and not in line with my present job would be able to perform such task? It would be fair enough if you place some ad in your office and look for the right person that can really work for that position. I hope you do understand me on this". The only thing is your boss will really be disappointed with you and that we simply cannot avoid especially if you are the one he really like for the position.

Answer 3

Well your boss, thought enough of you to offer you the job. So it looks like you are on the way up the ladder. I know how it is in your position, been there myself. It will pay off in the end. I assume that you want to stay in the company and advance? Once you become familiar with the job, it may come as second nature and you'll slide right through it. It only takes getting into the routine. good luck.

Answer 4

First, 3K per year is not a huge raise; you will be making less per hour.

Second, some acceptable responses are:
a) You would like to accept, but cannot work those hours because of childcare responsibilities
b) You like what you are doing now and see your career going towards xxx position (specify something that would be acceptable to you and for which you will be qualified in the eventual future without taking this promotion)

Answer 5

My opinion is go with the ideas of the one who said to tell the boss thank you but I'm really looking at xxx job. That way he realizes you do want to move up and where your preferences are. And to sum up-DON'T TAKE A CR*PPY JOB that you will want to get out of as soon as you start. It makes life terrible. Aim for a place that makes life pleasant and that pays very good.

Answer 6

Tell your boss that you are content and happy in your current position. Thank him for considering you, but place emphasis on the fact that you know your current job, do it well and you wish to remain where you are.