My old boss talked me out of going for a management job

I was all set to apply for a supervisor spot at the warehouse. But my old boss from 5 years back called me and said management is just babysitting adults with spreadsheets. He said he makes less now than when he was hourly. That hit different because he was always the guy who loved his job. Has anyone else turned down a promotion and been happier?

3 comments

3 Comments

sam_thomas15d ago

bro for real, I took a lead hand spot once and regretted it within 3 months. all the extra meetings and paperwork just ate into my actual work time. went back to regular crew and my stress levels dropped way off. the pay bump wasn't worth dealing with everyone's problems and having to pretend I cared about production targets all day.

hannahm3915d ago

Used to think climbing the ladder was just what you do. But hearing that from a guy who actually liked his job changed my mind completely. He didn't have any reason to lie to me, he was just being straight. Seems like management can really burn you out if you're not careful. Might be smarter to stick with what works instead of chasing a title that could make you miserable.

alice26915d ago

Ever notice how the people happiest in their jobs are usually the ones who didn't chase the corner office? Had a buddy who turned down manager to stay on the tools, and five years later he's still grinning while his old boss is on blood pressure meds.