How do you tell your job that you want to move up (especially financially let’s be real) but you don’t want to be a manager/director etc?

13 Comments

1. Nanette WinderDecember 28,2024 at 2:36PM UTC

   It sounds like to me you may want to clarify with your mentor. I suggest you let her know that you wanted to clarify and that you are definitely interested in moving up but more as an Individual Contributor and not a People Manager. Question for you: do these opportunities exist in your organization? If they do then clarify- if not- then propose it.

2. AnonymousDecember 28,2024 at 2:37PM UTC

   You want to look for work as a highly compensated individual contributor. The roles are out there, finance, risk, quality, accounting and some labor relations roles are a couple that might be worth pursuing.

3. AnonymousDecember 28,2024 at 4:55PM UTC

   I had the same situation in one of my past jobs. I was a teacher in a government agency. My boss asked me to take her education director position that she was going to leave in that office. I told her “no way.” She asked me “why not?” My answer was that I know what her job was and I really I do not like to have all the meetings that never leave her alone.

   So, to step up in a position may be dangerous or beneficial because they can fire you soon or it may work for both parties.

4. AnonymousDecember 29,2024 at 1:34PM UTC

   Exactly! Sometimes a "promotion" can actually be a step backwards.

5. AnonymousDecember 28,2024 at 5:28PM UTC

   I completely understand where you're coming from. You'd like to have a better compensation package (salary) without having to go into management/leadership to obtain it. If you're looking to stay in your current role, not sure how much leverage you could use to seek a pay raise, especially if the organization has determined what the salary is for your specific position, unless you could show that you've exceeded expectations and taken on other role responsibilities and performed exceptionally well. In that case, I would think that they would be willing to at least pay you for your due diligence. Just my opinion, of course. All the best.

6. AnonymousDecember 28,2024 at 8:52PM UTC

   If you want to be paid more and move up, you will be expected to take on more responsibility. You can clarify with your boss that you do not want the responsibility of managing others, but that you would like to take on more complex work. Perhaps you can work with her on what this might be and what skills you would need to develop to be successful.

7. Vanessa LontocDecember 28,2024 at 9:46PM UTC

   Great question! Not everyone wants to climb the management ladder, and that’s totally valid—it’s all about what matters most to you.

   Here are a few ideas:

   1️⃣ Know your worth: Research industry rates for your role and see if your pay aligns, adjusted for inflation.

   2️⃣ Value relationships: A good boss, great peers, and work-life balance can outweigh a slightly higher paycheck for some—it depends on your priorities.

   3️⃣ Be upfront: When you talk to your boss, share your desire to grow financially without taking on a manager role. Highlight how your contributions support the team.

   4️⃣ Have regular check-ins: Make it a habit to discuss pay and feedback—it shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.

   Advocating for yourself is always a smart move. Wishing you the best in finding the right balance!

8. AnonymousDecember 28,2024 at 11:04PM UTC

   Look at Bureau of Statistics and jobs similar to yours. Get data first to back your claim to get an increase and added responsibilities. As I’ve been told you don’t get a raise because you perform well, you get it if you take on more. Hence, I’ve taken in more through the years and have slowly like a snail climbed up financially but it’s taken me well over 10 years. Don’t sit in a job not earning more, hop to another industry or a better job that pays your industry worth. But data can help you get there with your manager.

9. AnonymousDecember 28,2024 at 11:28PM UTC

   You can be proactive, take on new responsibilities and create new opportunities and see if that works.

10. AnonymousDecember 29,2024 at 4:50PM UTC

    You should work with your manager on a list of additional responsibilities and projects you can take on. Depending on the company, you can remain an individual contributor, but tenure and desire for more money won't get you there.

11. Dr. Patty GrossDecember 29,2024 at 7:05PM UTC

    Moving up requires upskilling. What plans do you have to make that happen? This is something to work through with your manager. Ask what types of things would allow you to do more skilled work that would enable you to move up. See if your job has programs that allow you to obtain OJT, tuition reimbursement, or other programs that will help you learn while you work.

12. C KDecember 30,2024 at 7:14PM UTC

    What is your field.

    Because in my areas of technology there used to be an assumption that you'd want to move UP to Management - but if you were really good in technology that you really could not progress. It has changed not and there are more people who become Subject Matter Experts or Systems/application/data Architects and you do not HAVE to become management to grow and increase your income

13. AnonymousJanuary 3,2025 at 1:19PM UTC

    Moving up does not necessarily require you are on manager/director track. Some people are not meant to be people managers (too many people are forced into that role that have no business being in that role because too many people/companies think that's the only natural progression). You become a subject matter expert. What do you do, what do you aim to be? What options are available to you in your company? What are your goals? What are you willing to do to 'move up' (in whatever form moving up means to you)?