AceShowbiz - "The Office" star Steve Carell has dismissed rumors his plan to leave the hit U.S. comedy is a ploy for a pay rise - because he simply wants to spend more time with his family. The actor has played embarrassing boss Michael Scott on the series since 2005, in a role based on Ricky Gervais' original star turn in the British version of the show.

Carell confirmed last month he doesn't plan to return to the series after its next season, and he's looking forward to taking a hiatus from Hollywood to be a better dad to kids Elisabeth, nine, and John, five, with his wife Nancy. He tells the National Enquirer, "It's not a negotiating tactic at all. It's just that I want to spend more time with my kids right now."

But Carell isn't planning to laze around the house - he wants to become a fixture at the local general store he purchased in rural Marshfield Hill, Massachusetts, currently managed by his sister-in-law, Tish Vivado. He adds, "I will be manning the cash register and stocking the shelves as times permits."