My new company tried promoting me two times already this year. I declined both times. First time was into management, second time was into a lead role. Here's why: 1. I work off commission mostly. So within reason, I get to control my time & income. I already hit my yearly quota, and I usually hit my KPI metrics by Thursday, meaning I can take it easy on Friday's. That all goes away when I'm responsible for other people. 2. Top producers in our industry typically make more than managers. I'm on pace to surpass the raise proposed by next year, and I still have a ton more upside. 3. I have enough problems of my own. I want nothing to do anyone else's. As a leader, not only are you responsible for their production, but often times they bring their extra baggage to make your problem too. At this point of my life, all I want to do is worry about myself. As many of you know, I've dealt with a lot of loss this past year with my Dad and Auntie as well as my Mom 11 years ago. What matters most to me is doing my job well, and as I get ahead of the game, reinvest time saved to spend with my family. I don't want to worry about have to take that extra time and worry about other people at work. Even if they proposed an even higher TC arrangement (which they hinted at), I would still decline. I've been fortunate to have made a ton of money in my career, invested it well, and don't need to optimize for every penny at this point of my career. Now I can just optimize for time, freedom, and peace of mind. And if I keep up this pace in a few years I can go out on my own, set up shop comfortably without any financial pressure.