Is a demotion a bad idea?

51 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 29,2022 at 4:20AM UTC

   I would view this as a rebalancing of work and life vs. a demotion. I would speak to whomever you report to and explain the situation and see if there is a way to either make it work in your current role or if there are other roles within the firm that would be more manageable

2. Kathryn MontbriandAugust 29,2022 at 12:51PM UTC

   I can share a personal experience here. Several years ago I was leading a big team and a big agenda - that same year my sister and my mom were dealing with serious health issues across the country from where I lived.

   It got to the point where I wasn't doing justice to my personal life or to the team I was leading and I decided to step into a Chief of Staff role that had no direct reports at the time. It was absolutely the right decision for me - gave me time to heal and process while not feeling like I was doing a disservice to my organization. I had a chance to re-set and within a year was back to leading a big team once again.

   Might be worth exploring if there is a special advisor role or something similar that would allow you to keep providing senior-level support while reducing some of the stress while you reset.

3. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 12:16PM UTC

   About a year after my son was born, I stepped down for a Director position to become and individual contributor. Yes it was a demotion and pay cut, but the pay-off was a blessing. Best decision I ever made, 25 years later, I am still an individual contributor. I have been able to maintain my career without the stressful dealing with direct reports, budgets, ect. I was fortunate that the company valued by experience enough to make this work. I think it also demonstrated that not everyone wants to be in management and they created a path for my deparatment that allows for advancement without managing people.

4. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 12:17PM UTC

   Sorry to hear you are suffering. I know of some examples where senior leaders have stepped into a role with less responsibility. The most recent example was a VP moving to a Senior Director role, and another was a Director moving to a manager role, both for similar reasons to those you describe. Both are doing great in their roles today and do not regret the move.

   These moves can be great for everyone with good communication and management support to help you navigate. If you have an HR contact you can connect with to discuss, they may be able to support you as you consider your options.

   Good luck.

5. Paula BrantnerAugust 30,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

   I did this after eight years, when the position I was in was no longer well suited to my strengths and abilities, and I was very unhappy with the direction my life was taking. It was the springboard to a very successful consulting practice which is infinitely more satisfying.

   I'm not sure whether with the title "executive director" you're in a nonprofit role, or it's a for profit company, but I would highly recommend that you explore whether consulting is a good fit for you.

6. Karen RubinAugust 30,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

   I did this as well--I moved from an MD position to becoming an individual contributor due to several family issues arising at the time. I was worried it would feel embarrassing, that I would miss my "seat at the table," and that the work might get boring. It turned out to be the best move I could have made at that point in time. Occasionally I've had twinges of FOMO, but for the most part it's allowed me to do work I love with much less stress, and I've been able to learn/grow/become more professionally fulfilled. Good luck

7. Anna-Marie ConsorAugust 30,2022 at 1:00PM UTC

   I have done this successfully, in my opinion, twice, and both times led to other -- better -- opportunities!

   Here's a life lesson I'll share - you can always rebuild your career, if that's important to you. The stress on your health and family is something you will either have a hard time recovering, or not be able to undo the damage that was already done. Time and heath are true wealth - I've learned that the hard way!

8. G C HesseAugust 30,2022 at 1:09PM UTC

   You need to learn balance,,,,and decide if you truly want a career.

9. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 2:34PM UTC

   What does this mean? This is not a helpful or useful comment. Balance is different for everyone. Wanting a career does not mean that stepping down or back means you do not want a career.

10. Kelly HammerAugust 30,2022 at 6:37PM UTC

    I'm sorry, but this mindset and your response below are very reminiscent of an outdated mindset that has kept women in the dark ages in terms of growth and advancement. I think it is very important to know our limits and what scenarios will make us successful. Part of that is knowing when to take a step back. Leadership comes in many forms and one of them is knowing your strengths and where you are likely to be less successful and make the right changes for yourself accordingly. Gone are the days when we kill ourselves for a company that would replace us before our obituary goes to press. Many companies and company leaders are starting to realize that compassion and empathy with their employees is beneficial to the company, the team, and the overall productivity and profitability of the company. I can promise you that your statement below reflects how the people you work with and work for will view you in a push situation and weather or not they want to be there with you. Just a thought.

11. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 1:17PM UTC

    I did it and it's been great so far. My previous role was set up in a way that it was impossible to be successful in it. You need to look out for your own best interest.

12. Maggie StoneAugust 30,2022 at 1:29PM UTC

    Don’t look at it as a demotion. Look at it as aligning your life with your values and priorities.

13. Shelby CAugust 30,2022 at 1:29PM UTC

    I am going to be brutally honest here.

    I have never seen it successfully done within the same organization. Once we rise to a certain level of responsibility, it is difficult for others to not treat us like a leader. When people have moved down, they are still called upon to do the same responsibilities without the pay or recognition.

    If you truly want to go back to a position that was similar to what you had, I would suggest leaving.

    If I were you, I would advocate for myself instead. Get help. It will be more labor intensive on the front end; however, it is often refreshing to have a fresh face and new perspective on the team. You could task someone else with training them. You need to delegate. Trust your team.

    I would get a career coach that can help before you give this up. It is difficult for us to obtain positions of leadership - especially if you are a woman of color.

    You can turn this into an experience to offer an internship if their simply is not money in the budget. Reach out to DECA. They are for high school and college students in business, finance, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and marketing. I mentor their youth and judge their competitions. They have phenomenal talent. deca.org

    I wish you well. I know this is difficult. I have been there. Climbing the ladder is hard. We are not often given the resources our male counterparts are and we have more demands at home.

14. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 1:37PM UTC

    I did this. I asked to be placed in an open position of regular worker after 9 years of being the Director. The problem I had was that the staff had trouble accepting the new director because they were used to me and I was still there. It was a small office though (12 staff). After about a year of that I moved on to a different type of company in a position that involved direct contact with clients only and no administrative role. It was a progression that I needed at the time. Now it has been several years, my child is an adult and I am divorced, and my work is changing again to reflect that I have a different skill set and flexibility level. I found that career is more of a winding path and not a ladder.

15. Claire McCabeAugust 30,2022 at 1:51PM UTC

    I think it sounds like a win-win: you get to preserve your mental and physical health, and the company doesn't have to lose an A player. Go for it and keep your head held high!

16. Sabine LevrierAugust 30,2022 at 2:21PM UTC

    I did just that.
    I am extremely happy with this decision and never looked back.

17. EMILY KIKUE FRANKAugust 30,2022 at 2:42PM UTC

    I've known people who have opted for the demotion. Talk with your supervisor-- you may be able to keep your current salary even if you step down.

18. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 2:57PM UTC

    I've been considering something like this, and struggling with how it would affect future growth. I would be staying in the same position as an administrative assistant, but removing additional responsibilities that include partially supervising and training a number of other admins. Has anyone here done similar and not have it reflect poorly in the long run?

19. DanielleAugust 30,2022 at 3:13PM UTC

    I have but on a smaller scale. I stepped down from a Store Manager to a regular associate. Best decision I ever made. My pay changed a little bit, but my work/life balance changed for the positive and I have far less stress.

20. Joanna PoeAugust 30,2022 at 3:17PM UTC

    When they promoted you, did they give you the tools you need to succeed? Could you manage this responsibility more effectively with an assistant? I've never witnessed anyone voluntarily do this; it's only been through buyouts/mergers, but it worked out fine for them.

21. Ruth SathreAugust 30,2022 at 4:00PM UTC

    I took a job that was a step back to learn different skills. I had been an emergency nurse for many years. I learned case management.

22. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 4:29PM UTC

    I also choose to step down cro Senior Manager to Program Manager with no direct reports. And despite of the crazy amount of work, having no direct reports is a blessing.

23. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 5:12PM UTC

    I’m in the same place.
    New director role, great pay, stressed out of my mind (sick to my stomach daily). I’m
    trying to make it a year, then I’m looking for something with less responsibility. Am I crazy?

24. froerden@yahoo.comAugust 30,2022 at 9:18PM UTC

    Stick to your plan and move on! Director in your current role = director in a better role somewhere else in your future.

25. Maria Paula CalvoAugust 30,2022 at 5:25PM UTC

    I perfectly well understand how you are feeling and I know it is not nice. However, steping down may still not take you to a more relaxed scenario. Have you considered learning how to better manage the stress? At an Executive Director level you may be accountable for a large responsibility but you may also have some discretion on how to organize your work, your priorities, your agenda and make sure you save time for good rest and a good quality family life. I would certainly recommend that you give a moment of thought to this perspective that may give you new light and let you enjoy your progress and achievements while safeguarding your wellness.

26. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 5:53PM UTC

    Take time to jot down and pinpoint where exactly the stress is coming from.

    Is it due to a lack of support from your direct report? Is the staff toxic? Also weigh the pros and cons on the downgrade. Would you be subject to the same stress and lack of peace? If so that should play a role in whether to downgrade or try another work environment.

    I was promoted 6yrs ago only to be embraced with absolutely no support, undermining, stress and my health too also took a toll. Know Thy Self and Know Thy Limits. If your body is screaming at you where you are not well, listen to it. Listen to your body and make a change. I won't tell you to downgrade but take the time to analyze specifically who what where when and why is causing you the direct lack of peace and stress you are feeling now. And make the change so you can finally start to heal and thrive where you are happy and accepted.

27. Bridget HarringtonAugust 30,2022 at 8:29PM UTC

    I didn't do it with the same company, but I made a very conscious choice to stop doing managerial/directorial work about 10 years ago.
    The pressure from those jobs cost me my mental health, my marriage and my sanity. No one has ever asked me to elaborate on '"cost," because it is understood that certain roles come with a high personal price.

    The jobs I have done since are very obviously "below my skillset." So when I have interviewed for positions, I state right off the bat that while my priority is doing well in my role, I learned the hard way what working at certain levels will cost me and that I consciously choose staff roles for work/life balance. I also prefer to work in a staff position and have no interest in management, but I will happily mentor or counsel others. I then go on to iterate how my higher level skills will make me successful in X role. I have never had anyone questioning my reasons for "stepping off the hampster wheel." It's personally rewarding for me to pass on my learnings to others and I like to think that counseling younger women to not make the mistakes I did is my contribution to making the workplace better for us all.

28. Leader146885August 30,2022 at 10:40PM UTC

    I am glad to have read your comment, I wanted to have a good and genuine answer to why I am applying for a job that it seems I am overqualfied.

29. RiaAugust 30,2022 at 11:04PM UTC

    You are a wonderful woman and your response is well balanced and speaks of a high emotional intelligence

30. AnonymousAugust 30,2022 at 8:55PM UTC

    I feel very badly for you. People do not exist without women giving birth. The workforce does not exist without women giving birth. Women are the workforce of the world because we do it all! It is sad that when we have issues from being everything to everyone, this is the type of response we get.

31. Rose-Marie CervoneAugust 30,2022 at 9:01PM UTC

    I think an analysis of why this position is not working for you is in order. It is hard to step down at the same company. I did it when I had a baby and did go through a period of depression. It is hard to find support when you have been the leader and you leave that position

    Are there any factors you could change to make the role less stressful? Could you spin off some responsibilities to another direct report or do you have too many direct reports? Could the organization be restructured so you would have fewer direct reports?

32. froerden@yahoo.comAugust 30,2022 at 9:17PM UTC

    Take the “lesser” job! No shame! You managed to make it through a year in the bigger job, so you can do the next job with ease. They are not forcing you out or firing you, so you must be doing a good job. You, your family and your health come first. I say this because I’ve been there, done that. Good luck.

33. Liz MilneAugust 30,2022 at 11:31PM UTC

    Honestly, it depends on the company environment. MY husband's work likes to keep people on if they can, so they offer lesser positions and steps-down when people want to leav due to, eg, ill-health or stress. But at other places asking to step down is seen as weakness or giving up (it's not, but that's how toxic managers try to play it). So you'll have to weigh it against what you know of your management? Good luck :)

34. AnonymousAugust 31,2022 at 12:41AM UTC

    Not at all! You must create your life on your priorities and goals nit a career path.

35. Yvette BanksAugust 31,2022 at 2:26AM UTC

    Your health comes first. I’m in a similar position. I have not accepted this but putting my energy into other things. Happy to chat.

36. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEAugust 31,2022 at 10:13AM UTC

    Work-Life Balance is important. However, when you accepted the promotion, did you discuss this with your manager?

    Before you step-down look at other options? Do you have any direct-reports that you can delegate specific tasks to? Are others delegating their unwanted projects to you? Saying "no" is a good thing.

37. Tomilyn RichardsAugust 31,2022 at 11:15AM UTC

    I have done just this... I took like 4 steps down and I think my VP about fell out of her chair. It was the absolute best decision I ever made in my life and career. My kids used to hide my keys... it is a scar I remember often. But the time I got back with the 7 years I took a pause on the ladder climb was WORTH every moment.

38. Heather (she/her)August 31,2022 at 11:48AM UTC

    I've never done it, but have several friends who have, and I think it's the right choice most of the time. Your mental and physical health aren't worth a title.

39. Crystal HowellAugust 31,2022 at 12:25PM UTC

    Let's think about it a different way, maybe the title and job duties at the current job i s different at other companies.

    You have the title, start looking at executive search companies, the ladders, robert half and company, send them your resume for a similar jobe elsewhere. Learn to delegate more to get the stress off, implement checks and balances to ease your health and family are priority.

    If you demote yourself, not a good look for other companies. Hang in there, Just Do You.

40. AnonymousAugust 31,2022 at 1:16PM UTC

    Yes - though I left a job with no work-life balance for one with a good work-life balance. It was a big move as I had been at my previous company for 15 years. There was a management restructure and I went from 25 direct reports to a staff of 150 and no increase in salary so I decided to start looking. I get paid a little less now (benefits aren't as good) though I am much more happy and much less stressed out (which affected my health tremendously).

    Good luck with whatever decision you make!

41. EvSeptember 1,2022 at 12:38PM UTC

    The only advice I can give is to be brutally honest with yourself regarding the change in position. As your level and responsibilities lessen, so goes authority and decision-making autonomy-basically "power". This can be a difficult reality when you do this type of change within the same company. Not only do you make this change administratively, but you now need to do a cognitive-shift and think of yourself differently; this can be very challenging to accomplish. You will be treated differently by staff. You will now have peers, who were once subordinate. This could be a good thing for you, just prepare yourself emotionally.

42. AnonymousSeptember 1,2022 at 10:19PM UTC

    OMG

43. AnonymousSeptember 1,2022 at 10:19PM UTC

    Can we downvote this comment

44. G C HesseSeptember 2,2022 at 1:33AM UTC

    How about down voting you....LMAO

45. Liz MilneSeptember 1,2022 at 11:48PM UTC

    What a very odd and heartless comment.

    OP states the reasons for no longer wanting the higher position: unending stress and an impact on her health.

    Or do you think that people should literally work themselves to death rather than practise even a modicum of self-care?

    There's no shame in realising that a certain job/ career progression isn't right - there is in bullying people over those decisions though...

46. G C HesseSeptember 2,2022 at 1:33AM UTC

    I'm not bullying anyone.....an opinion was ask and I gave mine.

    I do not sugarcoat anything nor do I baby all these whining women.

    As we say in the South...

    "if you can't run with the big dogs...then stay on the porch".

    I thought this would be an interesting site but it's not.

47. AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 1:30AM UTC

    why was this necessary

48. Kimberly McKenzie-KlemmSeptember 2,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

    Usually, companies will not reduce your paycheck when they "downsize" your job, On the other hand, it pretty much caps your salary for good. This being the case in larger company practices, make sure your benefits and amenities are going to remain constant or you might think about a career direction change to another position elsewhere.

49. Bradford McCormickSeptember 16,2022 at 4:06AM UTC

    Are you otherwise in good standing in your company? If you do take a "step down" will you still be respected for the good work you wil continue to do in that postion? If yes, what's the problem? We only have one life to live and if the stresses ofthe new position are wrecking your life, that's not good for your employer either because soon enough the company will lose the good work you could be doing in your former position, yes?

    Won't "taking a step down" be a step up for both yourself and the company?

50. Karen Bernal 'student'September 20,2022 at 11:56PM UTC

    Anything that hurts my health is out.

51. Karen Bernal 'student'September 21,2022 at 12:01AM UTC

    In all jobs, more and more work was dumped on me without compensation and the job description changed after I took the job.

    No company can keep me unless I'm adequately rewarded, otherwise, I will be unhappy and resentful. If I get pushed too far, sayonara.