This Is Why You Shouldn't Just Accept A Promotion

This Is Why You Shouldn't Just Accept A Promotion


June 9, 2023 | Eul Basa

This Is Why You Shouldn't Just Accept A Promotion


It can be easy to blindly say "yes" to a promotion on the assumption that it will always be better than your current position, at the very least in terms of pay and responsibilities. But the wiser approach would be to evaluate the promotion just as you would any other job offer because essentially, that's what it is.

Sarah Vermunt, a career coach from Toronto, warns employees to review the terms of promotion carefully as there are times when "moving up" could actually put them at a disadvantage. She says that while promotions are meant to be marks of honor and rewards for good work, they also usually come with potentially different workloads that may make employees less happy with their jobs. "The irony is they got the promotion because they were really good at their old job, which probably means they enjoyed doing it," she adds.

Taking on new responsibilities could mean having to learn new skills to excel at the new job, as well as having to get used to not being a top performer anymore. Then comes the issue of money. One should always ask: "Will the pay increase be worth the extra work, or am I comfortable with where I am now?" In the long run, having a higher salary may not be worth it if you start dreading going to work every day. Additionally, if the pay increase is not significant enough, it may be a good idea to discuss that. As mentioned before, a promotion is like a new job offer, so you are allowed to negotiate.

Happy,Black,Female,Employee,Get,Rewarded,For,Professional,Achievement,Handshake

Vermunt says there are some red flags that employees can watch for to protect themselves. For one, it is important to identify "vanity promotions," which are when employees are asked to say yes or no to the promotion on the spot. If there is no paperwork and the promotion is essentially just in name only (i.e., it doesn't offer an increase in pay or give an employee more influence in the company), then it's technically not real promotion. If the new position being offered is entirely different and takes an employee out of a role that he or she really loved, that could be a red flag as well.

"It’s totally okay to say, ‘I’m so thrilled that you see me in this position and I’m very grateful for the opportunity, but I actually see myself going in this direction and would like to work for a promotion to go that way instead,’" says Vermunt. "Movement could be possible, and a promotion is not a yes or a no, it’s a job offer like any other. You can and you should negotiate."

Source

 

 


READ MORE

Man stressed over bills

My parents died suddenly with huge credit card debt. Debt collectors are coming after me, and I’m panicking because I can’t afford it. What do I do?

Losing a parent is one of life’s most disorienting experiences. When that loss is followed by phone calls or letters demanding money you never borrowed, grief can quickly turn into panic. The emotional timing alone can make it hard to think clearly or push back
February 10, 2026 Jesse Singer
Concerned woman on a cozy couch

The landlord says I’m competing with other applicants and have to pay to hold the unit. How do I avoid getting scammed?

You finally find a place that looks perfect, the landlord responds quickly, but then the pressure starts: “Other applicants are interested. If you want it, you need to pay a deposit to hold the unit.” This is exactly how rental scams work. The good news is you can protect yourself without losing every decent listing, as long as you know what to look for and how to slow the situation down.
February 10, 2026 Quinn Mercer
LegalReality

I spent my rent money on Black Friday deals. I thought I was being frugal. The landlord says eviction papers are next. Can I stall this?

The doorbell rang at 7 am, and the envelope that slid under the door carried an unmistakable weight. Inside, legal language spelled out a three-day notice to pay or quit—the formal beginning of eviction proceedings. Those discounted electronics and half-price furniture suddenly felt like anchors dragging a household toward homelessness. When anyone decides to spend designated rent funds on retail therapy creates a cascade of legal consequences that move faster than most people realize, and once a landlord files eviction paperwork, the timeline becomes ruthlessly mechanical. Stalling tactics exist, but they operate within strict legal boundaries that vary dramatically by state, and misunderstanding these rules accelerates rather than delays the process. Understanding what options remain requires separating Hollywood myths from actual tenant law.
February 10, 2026 Marlon Wright
Tax Deductions - Fb

Claim These Helpful Tax Deductions This Year, Even If You Don't Have Receipts

Tax season doesn't have to mean drowning in a sea of crumpled receipts. The IRS actually lets you claim dozens of legitimate deductions using nothing more than basic records, bank statements, or simple logs.
February 10, 2026 Marlon Wright

I'm currently on stress leave from my tech job working with AI. I've been told I have to come back to work by a robot. What now?

Burned out and on stress leave from your AI tech job—then a robot tells you it’s time to come back? This fun, human-written article breaks down whether automated systems actually have authority, what your rights are on stress leave, and how to push back when workplace AI crosses the line from helpful to dystopian.
February 10, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I got a promotion at work for great performance, but now a colleague is accusing me of claiming his work as my own. What can I do?

You got promoted for great performance—then a coworker accused you of taking credit. Learn how to protect your reputation, handle workplace conflict, and move forward professionally.
February 10, 2026 Jack Hawkins


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team