I'm a senior project manager for a construction company and my company has been after me off and on for the last few years to move up into in the next rung on the ladder which is managing all of the projects in an area of town. I've turned them down numerous times because I've been happy doing what I've been doing. I have a good schedule that allows me to spend the time I want with my 10 and 8 year old kids and I'm happy with my income.

They've come at me again to try and get me to take this area manager position and this is the most seriously I've listed to them because this project I've been running for 10 years is coming to an end later on next year. I've been contemplating doing something different (outside of construction management altogether) with my career but if I can't find something else I could just take another senior project manager position on a new project for the same company because it's a really good company that I like a lot.

I just don't know if moving up to the next rung on the ladder is worth it. It's a much more demanding position and the pay really isn't that much more than what I'm making now, plus it's a ton of driving around in my own personal vehicle which I really don't like. I have a nice, paid off SUV and I don't want to destroy it driving all over the place, not to mention the reduced quality of life fighting traffic, etc.

I guess my question is, is it wise long term to not want to move up the ladder? The career stuff has never been that important to me as long as I'm making the kind of money I want to make and I have enough time to spend with my family like I do now.

Cyp0111 said:

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Why do you not negotiate with them ? Get a bigger bump in pay and company car or atleast a good car allowance ?

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Bingo. Instead of them telling you what THEY want you to do, tell them what it takes to get you to take the position. Mention company car, and any specific hours you will need off to accommodate your family responsibilities. Maybe you need a right-hand-man to fill in when you are with your family, or if you negotiate leaving the site at 5pm every day. Tell them what you need, and let them decide if they can meet your demands.

if you really really aren't excited about the job, compensation is only going to last so long before you're burned out.

that said, if you have at least some interest in this then I agree with others that you should put forth what it would take to make it worth your while. otherwise tell them you aren't interested in the position.

Thanks for the responses so far guys.

seems like a personal choice. Do you want to take on more of a leadership role within the company or stay put?

"I just don't know if moving up to the next rung on the ladder is worth it."

If you accepted a promotion and later on decided the new role wasn't for you, could you evenually go back to your current job?

Can you negotiate the driving variable?
Ask for a company car or larger car allowance?

The probably figure you are complacent in your current role and getting out of that comfort zone will give you the chance to learn, grow and get better.

Good luck!

I'm in a similar boat. I made the decision to keep my flexibility and time with my kids, until they go to college. I told my company I have 5 more years with kids at home. After that, I'm open to the next step. To your point the next step may offer a 20 % pay increase but the time demand goes up 30-40%. The flexibility is cut in half.