Had a talk with a retired welder that completely shifted how I look at career moves

I was at a parts counter last Wednesday and got to talking with this old guy, been welding for like 40 years. He told me he turned down a foreman job three different times because he knew he'd hate managing people and just wanted to stay in the shop. It hit me different because I've been stressing about growing my business and taking on employees, but maybe I'm just forcing something that's not for me. Has anyone else passed on a promotion because you knew the actual work part wouldn't make you happy?

3 comments

3 Comments

jessec399d ago

Wait, you actually hid in the stockroom on your breaks to avoid people? That's kind of amazing though @olivia_carr7. I respect the dedication to staying away from management.

olivia_carr79d ago

Did I hear someone say making more money to hate your life? I once turned down a promotion to shift supervisor just so I could keep hiding in the stockroom during my breaks.

oscarb719d ago

@jessec39 that stockroom move is legendary but you gotta ask yourself if you're avoiding growth or just avoiding bad management. Passing on more money to keep doing actual work makes sense, but hiding from people entirely might mean you're limiting yourself more than protecting your peace. Just something to chew on.