Taking a demotion isn’t something you hear about a lot – but it’s something I’ve definitely thought about myself.
When I was managing a team earlier in my career, there were times when I felt pretty overwhelmed. I remember wondering whether I’d be happier in a more junior role, with less responsibility and less pressure.
In the end, what I actually needed wasn’t a demotion – it was a career change.
More flexibility, and more of the work I really loved. But I understand why people would consider it.
The problem is that we’re still conditioned to see taking a demotion as a failure. A career that goes backwards, even briefly, feels like something to be ashamed of.
But I don’t see it that way. Anything that is a conscious, considered decision is not a failure in my books.
Having said that, it’s definitely a decision that shouldn’t be rushed. If you’re struggling at work, it’s worth asking yourself whether better support, or a shift in your role might help things first.
A demotion is always an option to consider – but it’s important to make sure you’re making the decision for the right reasons, and not just because you’ve had a nightmare week.
It was great to discuss this with Stylist magazine recently – looking at when a demotion might actually be the right call, and how to approach that conversation with your manager.
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