Turning Down a Promotion to Supervisor

[Exile]

Before I retired, there were a number of times that I was presented with the opportunity of a promotion to supvervisor. I declined it on the basis that while I may have been good at my job in a technical sense, that didn't necessarily qualify me to be in charge of others.

IMHO supervisory and management positions are loaded with stress and are just not worth the grief. Over the years, I saw many co-workers push for a higher position only to crash and burn because they were unclear on the concept that with the power that they sought, there is commensurate responsibilty which they were not ultimitately prepared to handle.

Besides, I was making as much money working overtime as some supervisors were getting a straight salary and who were putting in the same amount of hours as I was.

Fellow forum members, what is your take/ experience on this issue?

[Broken Arrow]

I've had that happen to me once. Accepted a managerial position with a straight salary. Crash and burn. Hard. When, I returned to regular hourly, I still ended up making pretty much the same with overtime.

I do think it depends on nature of the job and how much you enjoy that kind of work. But that goes back to what you've said about knowing what you're getting into, and then deciding if it's right for you or not.

[gackle]

I agree with you, Exile. You have to understand what comes with the job. I have supervised about 25 people for about 3 years now (my first supervisory job) and I'm constantly trying to better myself through training seminars and reading books/articles. I'm not afraid to tell somebody though that I'm still human though, am learning/maturing on a daily basis, and freely admit when I am in the wrong. I think what I hate most about a supervisory role is the fact that grown adults act like children when it comes to conflict. 90% will come crying to the supervisor/manager to complain about a coworker instead of confronting the person in a mature manner first.

One person I supervise used to be my manager. He hired me into my current position. He is now in an hourly position after stepping down and has told me numerous times that he is glad he doesn't have to deal with the conflict element of the job anymore.

I also agree that there are times when not taking on the added responsibility will get you the same pay with a bit of overtime. On the other hand, if you're in a position/job that you are passionate about then taking the managerial position allows you the power to influence decisions in the company which in the end can enhance your job satisfaction.

[Lori63]

My husband was "promoted" and it was the worst 6 months of his life
The stress was unbelievable and the pay just wasn't worth it. He is much happier back where he was.

[mezzchick]

Hmm..interesting. That's why I'm home today..I am crashing and burning. Was "promoted" to this position that I was kinda forced into (they needed someone, my husband didn't want me working weekends, etc) It is the worst. I feel there's so many things I don't know, I can't get done, and to tell the truth, I was making more being hourly with a little overtime.

I was in a supervisory position before and loved it. Probably because I knew what I was doing. In this, I have no training and everyone is too busy to help. I am lost and floundering.

[LuxLiving]

Hubster was once a supervisor and he hated it. He just isn't cut out to tell others what to do. Not in his nature. If the job isn't right for you, twould seem better to stay out of it to begin with. It took him almost three years to get back to being a lone agent detail man and it suits him much better! He's an ISTJ. He manages well - himself. Others? Not so much.

[MonkeyMama]

I would do the same.

I actually took a rather low stress career route (well that's relative but I prefer working at a small firm which is about 1% of the stress of a large firm).

Likewise, I chose a career that was rather high paying at the lower levels because I really have no interest in management. I know if I really wanted to I could get a six figure job today, but it would come with a considerable amount of stress & responsibility, and considerably more hours.

I realized recently I got this from my dad. He has a very well paying job but I only recently realized he has never had much hand in management. I was rather surprised, but he hates being in management as well. Now I see where I get that... Must be in the genes. But it's nice to see another example of someone who has made a very good living without taking on too much responsibility. I didn't realize he was that example before recently.

[Reldon]

It all depends on the person I guess. I would think that having Supervisor or Manager on your resume would look better if you were looking for a new job.

[LuxLiving]

I agree Reldon, but some people aren't about resume building. Hubster for example. He's a happy camper in the job he has now but was a nervous nellybutt when he held the supervisory position. He was cranky when he got home as well. In the place he's at? He's low-stress, no-stress and a much happier Hubster! Sometimes it isn't about getting to the highest rung on the corporate ladder, some times the view is perfectly okay where you're at there mid-level. We can't all perch on the top of the heap.

[Exile]

Supervisors and managers get squeezed both ways. They are responsible for the performance of their subordinates and must meet the goals and deadlines of their own bosses as well.

I had a few managers who were very competent and seemed to thrive under those conditions, or at least were able to handle them. In turn they inspired their people to put forth their best efforts. But that is a special talent, and leaders like that are far and few between.