Can you be penalized for turning down a promotion?

Americans are souring on promotions—especially those that threaten their work-life balance or other nonwork priorities. But saying no to advancement could move their career in the opposite direction. According to a recent survey by emotional insight platform Hint App, 59% of Americans would reject a promotion that required them to be available after hours, and 62% would decline moving into management at the expense of work-life boundaries, even if it came with better pay. That’s especially true among younger Americans, according to a 2024 survey by recruitment firm Robert Walters. In that study, 57% of Gen Z professionals surveyed had no interest in middle management, with 67% saying the promotion seemed more stressful than rewarding. However, saying no to an advancement offer could have some negative career repercussions, especially if your manager stuck their neck out on your behalf. “Managers can take on a bit of a campaign for people without the individual knowing, and it may require some careful communication to avoid damaging that relationship, because it could be embarrassing for the manager if they decline,” explains Robert Walters North America CEO Chris Eldridge. He says…