By Sara Mould

Promotions can mean more money, better benefits, and let’s face it, most women would jump at the chance to get ahead. But promotion can also bring increased paperwork, additional hours, a new boss and sometimes relocation. Before taking a promotion ask yourself what you really want from your career. Here’s how to stay on the right path:

Discovering the open road

Starting out on a career path is exciting and challenging but sometimes accepting the first available position or promotion can be more damaging than beneficial. If you’re not passionate enough about your new responsibilities and capable of juggling the workload you could damage your reputation. Jacques Magliolo, strategist and author of Women and Wealth (Oshun Books) says, “It’s a terrible mistake to spend your life doing something you don’t love, because you believe that someday you’ll get to do what you really want.” He suggests you brainstorm your likes and dislikes, research your next step and be patient until you find your niche.

Avoiding the detours

If you’ve found a career that you enjoy but feel you’re not progressing fast enough, the benefits of an unwanted promotion can be tempting. “It’s easy to get seduced by money, but ask yourself: Is it going to take you towards your career path or is it going to take you away from itt” says life coach Leah Sefor. “My golden rule is: If in doubt, say no. Money is just one aspect of your life and if it’s going to impact you negatively then don’t do it,” she says.

Speed bumps

Never accept a promotion from a company you know nothing about. You need to know if you’ll be able to grow your career and what opportunities are on offer. Jenny Handley, author of Raise Your Profile (self-published) says, “In order to thrive you need to feel passion for the company brand.” She suggests you compare your career objectives and goals with the mission statement, vision and values of the company brand. “There has to be a strong feeling of cohesion, you need to engage with it” she says.

Pulling over

As you get older your priorities tend to change. Magliolo says opinion polls reflect that life satisfaction, a happy marriage and feeling in control are more cherished signs of success than having lots of money. “You work so that you can live, so make sure you’re not living to work,” says Sefor. “What is this promotion going to give you in your lifeh Are those things truly important or just material possessions that superficially make you feel like you’ve made it,” she says.

Stopping for directions

1. Take some time to reflect before making a decision. This shows you’ve taken their offer seriously.
2. When turning down a promotion always thank your supervisors for considering you for the position.
3. Never say that you’re just not ready or that you can’t handle the job.
4. Make sure your manager fully understands why you are turning down the promotion.
5. If you still want to move up in the company, albeit at a later stage, make it known.
6. Don’t accept a promotion just because the company is desperate – set boundaries and say you’ll help out until they find someone else.