Starting a new junior role after being an executive

Question

Call it pride, call it covid..moving from a director role in hr back to an HRBP feels like a setback...although it’s the largest employee case load I’ve had..do you think this will hurt my chances of being in a larger role later on? I need to change my mindset and would love for some advice on how to do this. Thanks for reading.

Ashley Cheretes · Answer

No, not at all. I can tell you from my own personal experience, I was a director for some time and then took a role outside my company with no direct reports and I was an individual contributor again. It was scary because I had similar feelings that I would never lead again, but once they saw how skilled I was, I was promoted within 18 months. Show your value and I'm sure big things will happen! And if they don't, you can always keep looking for an exec role somewhere else. Many people are in the same boat as you right now so it will be easy to tell that story to future hiring managers.

Richele Butler · Answer

I find titled not as important as what someone does. You have a great story to tell here later, if needed. 'Yes. I took the HRBP role so I could expand my experience with larger employee populations. This has helped me to learn x, y, z'. Enjoy the role, make the most out of it, and that director title will return whether at your new company or elsewhere. ?

Heather Hauser · Answer

I think that you will simply thrive in your new role. You already have a larger caseload than you ever had, which gives you greater opportunity to positively impact others. I also believe that it will get you noticed more quickly by internal and external leadership, like Ashley already stated. Recently, I've also seen many more hybrid job titles in job descriptions like Senior HRBP/Director, etc. I don't think you have anything to worry about, but like you, I am also concerned a little about career progression.

Alisa Griffin · Answer

A few years ago, I took a step back for a year. It was a major pay cut, but it was the best I’ve felt and happiest I’ve been with work and life in a long time. If you can “afford” on both the career and financial front, it may be a way to accelerate back into a leadership role in the not so distant future.

Taylor Adams · Answer

I have to agree with Ashley. We can have entirely different experiences while fulfilling different roles at various times in our lives. Your experience as a director is going to provide you different perspective as an HRBP now. As you continue to offer elevated perspective, you will be viewed as having added value. Consider setting a time frame for yourself so that if you’re not “growing” in your role, you can begin seeking other opportunities so you don’t stunt your own growth! This year has been extremely unique for the workforce and I think hiring managers will be understanding of the crazy year that 2020 brought us when reviewing resumes in the future.

Chantal dlR · Answer

It’s all about how you frame your experience. Create a narrative that makes not just personal sense, but business sense. Your expertise will be undeniable and you’ll be surprised by how many options unfold for you.

Karisa Karmali · Answer

Not it should not hurt future prospects, current role can be molded.

Starting a new junior role after being an executive

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