Ive been with my company for a year and a half. Moved up fast due to skill and work ethic. 8 months ago i got the opportunity to got from 17/hr part time to 22/hr full time insurance by maintenance. Denied it and stayed with my department mostly because conversations with my bosses in that department aired towards a promotion in my department (walking with me afterwork talking about the estimated hourly which was around 22 and what the expections would be).

When i declined my upper boss came out smiling and thanked me for staying saying to just “be patient”. These convos were in febuary to march of this year. They talked a lot about it probably happening in july as that is when the company makes its budget decisions. Conversations cease. I confront one of my bosses and they state essentially it fell through this budget but December they’d try again.

I wait, at this point quite frustrated as they keep increasing my work load as if i already was promoted/ it would happen soon. Im getting reprimanded for too much overtime trying to keep up to the point where i could only 16 hours a week for a bit. This month i presumed they wouldnt promote me so talked to maintenance. They had some part time availability and were apologetic that full time was currently filled. Was fine with me.

Today the boss talks to me, tells me to look at my email. I look, its an offer letter. I hadnt read it and was terribly busy so i just smiled and nodded my head but didnt sign the offer. When they left i looked at the pay. 17/hr. For context as to why this is so incredibly bad, im currently in the tip pool at my place and make an average of 20/hr because of it.

Its a demotion wrapped in promotion packaging. Im upset and really angry that i declined that job offer for maintenance now. Ill still be moving to them in january though my boss doesnt know that. Im talking to him monday, gonna speak my mind about this whole thing and let them know that have about a month to find a replacement.

Even worse, looking at the offer letter it says i have seven days to accept and the date on the letter is the 27th. They didn’t give me this offer until today, December 1st.

What’s the best way to professionally decline without completely burning a bridge on my resume?