I got laid off as a Head of my department and now I am working 2 levels below my skillset.

54 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 4:34PM UTC

   I have been there. I was laid off and in a specialized market that was saturated at the time. After 11 months and just before unemployment ran out, I sold cars for two years (WAY outside my comfort zone and career choice.) The positive is this: You now can breathe without the no-income sword hanging over your head. You can take your time and find the right fit and may have some extra money to help you with a career coach and resume review to see if that is part of your issue with finding it.

2. Tami CannizzaroDecember 18,2023 at 4:35PM UTC

   The most difficult part of being laid off is finding ourselves again. We all like to think we are not tied to our work, yet we are. The first question someone asks us - even longtime friends - is "what are you doing now?" And that answer is taken from us once we no longer have the safety net of our job title.

   All this to say, I hear you.

   Please don't be disappointed in yourself! You have done what so many of us have when experiencing a layoff - you have found solid employment that values your experience and skill set.

   What we all need to do in this situation is reframe our minds - and our message to others.

   So, what are you doing now that you're no longer with XYZ company?

   I found a great opportunity with X. It's giving me a chance to catch my breath while using my experience to drive (sales, marketing, whatever). And I get to mentor younger workers while learning a new (industry, product, skill - again, pick something). I'm so glad I found something in this economy.

   Isn't that job below you?

   Well the title may be a bit lower than what I'm used to but again, after the layoff I'm glad for the breather and I'll just see where this takes me.

   See what I mean? I've been in your shoes. The more we are positive and repeat some version of the above - to ourselves and others - the more we become positive and we find our purpose again. Remember, any experience can be good experience. And you can use words like this when you interview for your next "great" role.

   I hope this helps!

3. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 5:44PM UTC

   This was so helpful. Thank you so much!

4. jnewburg@gmail.comDecember 18,2023 at 8:01PM UTC

   This is really great advice! Thank you for posting!

5. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 4:44PM UTC

   The higher your level, the more difficult it is to find a new role. Honestly, to a certain extent (not to belittle you, your skillset, etc.), I would almost consider it a win that you were able to find a position at a lower level...that someone didn't look at your resume and say "oh, she's overqualified...next!"

   But I get it, it sucks. You know where you should be and unfortunately you had to take a few steps back. Knock it out of the park with this job and don't give up hope that what you are truly meant to be doing is right around the corner.

6. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 4:52PM UTC

   I suggest looking at things in a different way. You are not the role you have been hired for. Take the mindset that the company is lucky to have hired a skilled person at a discount. Look for other opportunities in the meantime. Not sure if you feel any obligation to work for a company for an amount of time (1 month / 1 Quarter / 6 months / year) before accepting a new offer. Some people feel obligate to spend a certain amount of time after being hired.

7. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 5:22PM UTC

   Stop beating yourself up. Embrace this role until you can get into a better headspace and post holidays spend time day by day focusing on searching for something where you feel more valued. It will take time, but the alternative is that you are employed through the holidays and to not be and be sad would perhaps be worse. Take some classes and improve your skills and speak out in linkedin or other places about your expert skills. Use that and meetups as ways to expand your network for your next big thing!

8. Jessica FerlandDecember 18,2023 at 6:06PM UTC

   For context, sometimes a department head role at a small company is different than at a larger one and can be very different based on industry.
   Is it possible that your responsibilities are similar although the title feels lower? Your ego took a hit (which is not insignificant) but did your pay take a hit as well?

   That being said, it sounds like this is more about your feelings about yourself in this role than the role itself. If this were happening to your best friend or sibling, what advice would you tell them? I suspect it would be along the lines of, you're doing what you have to do to pay the bills and that is the opposite of a fail. Keep applying, do your best, and who knows? Maybe there will be opportunities for growth in this company or another opportunity will come along.

9. Stephanie Branch LekowskiDecember 20,2023 at 2:23PM UTC

   I agree, we're harder on ourselves than we would be to a colleague, friend, etc

10. Barb HansenDecember 18,2023 at 6:08PM UTC

    Earning a wage to pay our bills is never a defeat. Very few career paths are always moving upwards either in pay-scale or job titles. Most of us have dips and swings along the way. Over the last three years, millions of people took "lifeboat" jobs to pay the bills as the world economy adjusted to the pandemic and now there is a pull-back in the tech sector, leading to adjustments in staffing and pay scale in the tech sector. In the past, I've had to take lifeboat jobs way below my skill set and previous skill set b/c I needed to pay bills. I went from a Sr. Director role at a tech startup to doing document formatting for a large construction firm. It was a horrible job - the people were wonderful and the work was mindless. I was paid well for that type of work, but my brain and ego hurt. Then I started to focus on the pay checks which after 8 months of not working were wonderful, and I used the mental break as an opportunity to plan the next phase of my career. After years of working way too many hours a week, I had a 8 to 4:30 job that didn't require me to work or think about work after hours. I reconnected with my friends, I finished way too many uncompleted projects on my to-do list, I took some classes and took time to reconnect to old colleagues in my network and build a new network. Our ego can be a tough taskmaster, I suggest trying to reframe your current position not as a failure but as a restarting position. Good luck!

11. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 6:45PM UTC

    Is there any growth opportunities at where you are? If not, keep the job for a paycheck for now, but keep looking for something else in the new year.

    Good luck!

12. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 6:51PM UTC

    Spend time on your personal life improving those ares you can control.

    I would also suggest some therapy so that you shake this feeling of failure and put together a strategy to move beyond it. I think what you are feeling is perfectly normal but there are insights you can adopt via therapy that will help.

13. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 6:59PM UTC

    You got a job in this bum economy. Be proud of yourself. Look at this for an opportunity maybe you can be head of the department in this new company.

14. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 7:10PM UTC

    The last time I was overqualified for a new position, I ended up running the division within 3 years. Do your best for them, make yourself a resource rather than a rival, and be open to opportunities in and out of the company. Good luck!

15. AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 1:10PM UTC

    Your experience is the very reason I have not and will not work toward and aggressively seek SVP, Sr.
    Director, Head of something titles/positions because when folks in those positions get laid off it takes a very long time for them to find a new role at the same level if at all. A lot of the ones I've seen go into consulting, but I've seen some that have to start all over going to the supervisor or even senior analyst level. It's like a pyramid at the top, so few of those roles to go around and companies typically want folks that are employed. Now that you're employed keep applying to those higher level roles if that is what you want to do. Once you let the dust settle you may find that with less responsibility frees up time for you to focus on a hobby, your family or starting a business.
    Instead of spending my time focused on climbing the ladder I put my focus on owning real estate. I tell my family that I have 10 years in corporate America because I know I want to be out well before retirement age when I will be making too much money and the company starts looking to make cuts. If they made cuts right now, I would happily go work in a restaurant to keep myself busy because my worth isn't tied to a title at a company. You need to find that for yourself.

16. AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 1:12PM UTC

    The same thing happened to me. I got laid off an amazing position / title with a huge pay and after 6 months of searching, I took a job that is way under my pay and title wise, it’s terrible. I don’t even want to put this job on my resume :( it’s terrible! My ego also took a major hit. I started my job December 4th and since then, I have been pretty bummed and depressed ?

17. AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 1:44PM UTC

    First off, your feelings are valid and it's okay to feel what you feel. From an outsider's perspective you are not a failure, nor should you be disappointed in yourself. You had a situation happen to you that was beyond your control, yet you were able to continue on, even if it's not maybe quite on the path you would have chosen. We are often far too hard on ourselves for things beyond our actions. Let yourself feel what you feel but be careful to not let yourself wallow. Decide on a new path or direction, or maybe see if there are opportunities where you are then go for it.

18. Charles Mills (Chuck)December 19,2023 at 1:55PM UTC

    Dang I feel you here. Bruised ego and all.

19. AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 2:11PM UTC

    Work is work. Be professional.

20. AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 2:45PM UTC

    This is a very unhelpful answer and I get a sense that despite being anonymous you are leaving these same sorts of unhelpful, rude answers on a number of posts. Why?

21. AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 2:20PM UTC

    I have come to realize that careers are not linear, sometimes even on purpose. So I talk about new roles as moving “out,” not necessarily moving “up.” Learning. Applying skills to new problems and new industries and in new ways. Even if this job is “below” your skillset, there are probably ways it is expanding your skills.

22. AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 2:55PM UTC

    I was in a similar situation recently. I was layed off. I took a job which was few levels lower than my last one, I took a pay cut with it, too. But as I am looking always for the best in the situation this meant for me less responsibility, less stress, and because I am much more experienced than the rest of my team, I am completeing my work much faster, meaning more free time and a lot of opportunities for learning things I otherwise wouldn't have had time for. And now 2 months into my role I am already targeted for a promotion as my management sees my experience and expertise. So instead of focusing on how hurt your ego is, look for the opportunities around you, if you dont see them yet - just do your best every day, help others learn to the best of your ability ( as you are probably much more experienced than they are) and opportunities will soon appear on the horizon. Just be strategic targeting your next role. It is a tough job market so a demotion may be the only option you had, but it does not mean you are less capable than you were at your last job, so utilize these skills that you have and soon you will rise like a fenix.

23. Jennifer AndersonDecember 19,2023 at 5:23PM UTC

    First - I'm sorry that you weren't able to immediately replace your position with a similar one. That's tough!

    Knew someone once who was hired below their level and it wasn't because the company was insulting them but rather because the organization was setting up for a reorganization and didn't want to tell anyone. When the reorganization happened, this person who was hired as a VP's admin was suddenly the head of Customer Service with 10 direct reports.

    This isn't to say this is what will happen to you as it didn't happen to me. I had to go back to school to get back to my level because my experience far exceeded the HR filters for a "degree". That said, a step back and a step sideways now have me farther ahead than a straight-up path would have and reminded me to "always be looking" so I don't get caught unaware again.

    Keep your head up and if you aren't happy, keep looking for a better path. In the meantime show your current employer that you are a rock star in your current position. Be simultaneously eager to learn and respectfully offer advice to improve the org (very tough to do with some bosses so if you can do this, you are a rock star!).

    Last, I have many telling me that we are on the verge of another recession. The economy is showing lots of jobs available but only in certain sectors and many at lower levels. It may be affecting you in that your industry is recalibrating now that there aren't as many employees needed. For instance, my company posted for a Salesforce Admin and got over 100 applicants in less than an hour but another position took almost 3 months to fill because it was more specialized.

24. Sue RoseDecember 20,2023 at 2:18AM UTC

    I had a similar thing happen to me. Just do you. Be the best you that you know how to be. Your natural talent will shine. Who knows, if you get promoted or find another job, either way, you will have put your best foot forward and they will remember your positive example.

25. Vanda LeeDecember 20,2023 at 3:31AM UTC

    I suggest some type of therapy - it's a blow, been there.. it's difficult not to take it personally.

26. Anila Arshad-MehmoodDecember 20,2023 at 1:14PM UTC

    It's always easier to find a job if you have a job. I'm sorry that you've had this experience and you're not feeling great. I was also in a similar position. I used the time to make contacts and make a shift into a new field (sideways) which ended up being the best most unexpected thing as I now work for myself. Without the contacts I made in the role I didn't want I wouldn't have been supported to move into a new area nor taken seriously in that work. That gained my reputation for the move to freelancing which is the best thing for my work-life balance and my mental health. Work out what's important to you eg title, money, flexibility etc and go for that. No-one else cares I promise you.

27. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 1:16PM UTC

    I feel this completely. It’s hard to even get a job in this day, so having one so soon after your former job is a plus, even though it’s not your ideal or match for your skill set. Consider it a step in the process of getting another position most like your last. It’s not permanent and it’s just for now. It’s income to keep your bills paid and you afloat. And it’s always easier to find a new role when you’re currently working. So, adjust a little bit and ask where your skills CAN be utilized in this lower level role and how you can improve it or make it more productive. Being new to this company may be a benefit for you as you turn this lower level role into something more valuable for yourself and the organization. Challenge yourself to make this your most difficult task and use it as a way to bolster your confidence. No matter what level role you have at your company, you should still always consider no job to big or small so that you can also understand roles that end up under your supervision as you move forward, either within your current organization or outside of it. Let it be a touch point for understanding who you’d want in that position and to recall how it felt in that role. Allow ourself to be upset about this change, but the. Try to challenge your way of thinking about a role that’s below you. If there’s something you can do to make changes to the role or apply your skills (or maybe some new skills to replace some older, less updated skills), it may help you feel a bit better. And it’s something you can use in interviews about updating roles to be more effective and productive. I wish you luck and hope you feel less bruised soon enough. It’s really hard out here.

28. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 1:17PM UTC

    This happened to me once, although I didn’t get laid off. I walked from a bad job, a bad environment. I had to take a huge step back and cut in pay and then started climbing again. Back where I need to be now. Just keep going, something will come up :)

29. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 1:20PM UTC

    I walked away from a Director level position because of a toxic environment. I'm now working in customer service and getting paid a fraction of my previous salary. I have been in this position for over a year now.. I didn't expect to still be here, but I believe it was for the best. It'll take awhile to accept it. Give yourself some grace. The market is wild... take this time to reset and reflect (which is not the same as ruminating). Wishing you the best..

30. Angela Turner, MBADecember 20,2023 at 1:34PM UTC

    Did your boss give you specific feedback? That might be something to work on. If not, I hope you find something somewhere else. So often we are not set up to succeed. I hope that you can really hear that and move past this. It isn't always performance. There are often politics involved.

31. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 2:03PM UTC

    Somewhat related, I purposefully left a high pay, high stress job to keep my health in check.
    I applied for and was hired immediately into a position that used one of my most transferable skills, at low pay, but also flexible hours. I had to adjust my ego , and my pride, a great deal. I could see management issues that weren't addressed, unfairness and other issue typical in many work environments. But I didn't have to handle it. I made suggestions and left it alone. With my new ability to take a deep breadth, I was able to work on consulting projects after work hours because I had the bandwidth. The ladder is climb, but I have never been a fan. Look inward at what is best for you, accept the reality, and be patient, patient patient...its OK to watch others climb. You are never a failure.

32. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 2:08PM UTC

    Hi, following this conversation since the same happened to me! It was a huge hit for me to get laid off from a Director position as well. And it brought me to realize many things (among them, that I was burn out). I focused on trying to find positions that would help me maintain my mental health, and that turned out in a position that is below my skillset as well. I'm happy though, but want to read the comments as well.

33. Jonna Ferguson, ACCDecember 20,2023 at 2:09PM UTC

    After hearing everything you said about how you're feeling (and you're incredibly powerful for sharing), here are the inspirational things I ALSO heard you say:

    "I have been applying for months"

    "I got hired"

    "I started the new role last week"

    "I'm thankful for a job"

    "I'll keep applying to roles"

    You're taking action... Don't stop! :) Keep moving forward. Your journey involved a detour, not a step backwards. Use this time to reflect, remind yourself about your characteristics that helped you reach your last level. Consider whether you want to return there, or take steps sideways to find an entirely new path. There's no requirement for which road you take. Reflect on what's important to you in life and draft a plan to write your story.

    All this said, your feelings are critical and drive your mindset. Prioritize self-care while you're "doing" and think about what calms and energizes you. Consider meditation, journaling, listening to your favorite music and dancing (if that's your thing), surround yourself with people who want the best for you and are positive influences, reach out to your network for support and laughter. Think about what you're doing and who you're with when you're at your absolute best.

    I've been at similar junctures in my life. Continuing to leverage my strengths while moving forward with a plan, helping others rise-up and expanding my network, seemed to bring me success.

    Reach out if you'd like to connect. I'd be glad to listen and help you think about next steps.

34. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 2:16PM UTC

    Something sort of similar happened to me, except I took a job with a title increase only to find out my new boss wanted to give me less responsibility and now I am in a role with a “manage title” doing less work than I did as a “specialist.” It can be frustrating but I am finding areas I can increase my skill level instead of increase the responsibility or task. I too am going to spend more time in the new year looking for something else.

35. Erin Riebel, PMPDecember 20,2023 at 2:17PM UTC

    I worry that eventually I will need to do the same in my job searching journey after my layoff, but I want you to know, there is NO SHAME in doing what you did. You need money to survive, and took a stop gap measure to ensure you can eat and are sheltered. Keep pressing forward. The job market will correct itself eventually.

36. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 2:25PM UTC

    Enjoy your time in your new role and excel at it and that is all you can do. A paycheck coming in is better than no paycheck at all. Keep applying, eventually, maybe the right door will open. It's entirely possible that being laid off is a corporate maneuver and had nothing to do with your skillset or performance so try not to beat yourself up.

37. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 2:52PM UTC

    Take heart, be courageous.=)

38. Kimberley Ferretti HammettDecember 20,2023 at 2:52PM UTC

    What another company hires you at does not increase or decrease your capability.
    It is a tough market and you are doing what you need to to support yourself. Take this moment to take a short breather, then get running. Show your capability in this role and work on learning how to present your capability to other organizations that could use your brand and caliber of talent.

    I personally believe we've been led to expect the wrong thing about success. Titles, "levels", pay.. none of these things are an accurate way to determine your success. What you learn and outcomes you are capable of creating in circumstances you can't control.. that is success. And I have a little gripe with viewing leadership levels as "above"/"below". Leading teams and leading business areas require entirely different skillsets than each other and other roles. Skillsets that, yes, are higher value to the companies, but contributing in other ways is also imperative. I can totally see your perspective that you were doing something before that you are great at and felt proud, but maybe take a moment and think about the people on your teams you have led in a position similar to where you are now, and how they would perceive this post. I'm sure you valued their contributions and talents. And if not, maybe this is a good opportunity for you to gain perspective before going into your next department head role, which, I'm sure if that's what you want, is in your future.

    Good luck to you. I hope nothing I have said has come off as minimizing your feelings. You are TOTALLY entitled to a pity party right now! I just hope to add perspective that may help you move forward.

39. Jodi PetersDecember 20,2023 at 3:04PM UTC

    Just keep getting your paycheck with your head held high and keep applying. You will get something

40. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 3:19PM UTC

    You have a job right now, you're doing really well! The market sucks. Most people I know are still looking or are freelancing for way below their usual rate.

41. SamDecember 20,2023 at 3:21PM UTC

    It’s a blessing to find a job in this tight market regardless of the title and pay!

    You’re in a season that’s giving you a perspective at a different level, learn, grown and take that with you as you continue to seek people leader roles. It’s not your skills and abilities, things happen out of our control. Think from a positive angle, relearn what’s it’s like to work at a IC level but don’t stop searching for a role. This season is temporary! I’m wondering if your well being has improved without the pressure of leading and driving results as a people leader.

42. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 3:29PM UTC

    I've been in your position before, and I know what a tough feeling it is to be devalued and feel so much shame and disappointment.
    Hardest thing I've ever gone through in my life-- it took me years to bounce back as I kind of gave up on career ambition for a few years.

    Try to look at this obstacle as a stepping stone. This is not your permanent status. Don't stop applying for other roles and networking-- the market will improve. Also, remember that you are so much more than your career. We shouldn't let work define us, no matter where we are on the hierarchy.

43. Me!December 20,2023 at 3:35PM UTC

    When life gives you lemons make lemon aid. Not everyone gets a do over, this is a growth opportunity and will make you a better leader. I suspect you can do this job in your sleep (and well). Wish you had done it differently the 1st time, this is your chance. Go home at the end of the day on time, without the stress of leadership. Spend time with your loved ones, go to that class you have been thinking of, hit the gym, learn a language. Stop and really look around see your coworkers and leadership in a new light. Lemon aid is delicious!

44. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 3:47PM UTC

    I only wish I could find something below my skillset after 18 months...

45. Afo Ogbeyalu KaluDecember 20,2023 at 7:44PM UTC

    If you are not doing so currently, you may want to consider registering with an Executive Search Firm, or agency which specializes in placing higher-level executives, or executives/staff in your field of expertise. These types of agencies "do the legwork", review your CV, suggest edits to make you more marketable, and set you up with interviews in accord with your career standing or goals. Robert Half is an example of one. There are many more specialized agencies. A Google-search should put you in the right direction. Best of luck!

46. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 9:17PM UTC

    "Flattening" the organizational chart cost me 2 jobs. The first time, I found a job that paid $30k less in a cheaper city. The second time I took a job paying $10k less in a more expensive city. After a year at that job, my position was eliminated and I was laid off. My only interview so far was for a job paying $8k less than that. I turned 65 a month before that layoff. I can't afford to retire. ?

47. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 10:27PM UTC

    Consider enrolling in Medicare and then concentrate on 2 or more part-time jobs. You won't need benefits and you can work a couple of jobs

48. Terri Andrews GutierrezDecember 21,2023 at 3:43PM UTC

    AARP focuses on helping those of us over 50 with job searches, resume's etc. I'd give that a try.

49. AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 11:38PM UTC

    You're not alone. Most of us have been knocked down and had to climb back up the ladder so please know that this is common. Careers seldom move in a straight line up.

50. AnonymousDecember 21,2023 at 3:26AM UTC

    We do what we need to do to take care of our families.

    This too shall pass. In the meantime, get a side hustle if you can.

51. AnonymousDecember 21,2023 at 4:44AM UTC

    I hope you reframe this!

    It sounds like you have been the victim of a tough economy and are doing what is necessary to stay afloat economically.

    That you got a new job in your field in this poor economy is a reason to be very proud of yourself.

    Do what you can to continue to build your skills and track record at your current job and keep looking for better opportunities at your current company and elsewhere.

52. Jessie D'Amato FordDecember 21,2023 at 1:04PM UTC

    I feel you more than you know. I'm in the same boat - do I take something just to have something? In this market it may be the only option but I'm still unsure. If you're a rockstar, you'll most certainly get back up there! Best of luck!

53. Janel Tiffany JonesDecember 22,2023 at 6:34PM UTC

    I know it's hard but the best thing to do is to keep going and don't give up. Keep applying for positions within your skillset and something will manifest.

54. Farah BajwaDecember 22,2023 at 8:08PM UTC

    You keep looking! I was head of the department too and was laid off when the company relocated out of the state and wanted their Head of Engineering in the building. My hunch is most companies would rather hire their managers from within than from the outside. Plus the fact that I wanted to work fully remote decreased my chances. I ended up in a project management role to be able to work remotely but have to work my way back to management. Sadly i've become aware its not going to be in this role because I'm struggling with it. first the role turned out to be order management not project management, and I operate with a manager mindset. so not getting glowing reviews that can help me get promoted. so now Im looking for all three: engineering manager, PM, and manager of PMs.

    sometimes we have to compromise to pay the bills but keep looking for the opportunities inside and outside this company