To ask for a demotion?

[missminimum]

Recently due to reorganisation, my job has been moved to a new team further away from home. Same role, just different team, further away. There is no opportunity for the same role nearer home currently or in the forseeable future. . I like the challenge of my current role, but it is a demanding job and I find it hard to switch off, even when on days off. My new commuute can take between 60-90 minutes one way, depending on time and traffic. I also find my new line manager's management style a bit stressful. I am finding the role combined with the new commute draining. I am constantly tired and preoccupied with thinking about work.
There may be opportunity for a post on a level below my current role, nearer home. It is a role I have done previously for many years, does not stretch me as much, has less responsibility and pays a bit less. I am currently part time so if I did a few more hours in the lower paid role, it will not be much different. I would get to work in 5 -10 minutes and be able to switch off at the end of the day. It may not be a good career move and others may assume I am doing it as I can't handle the pressure and responsibility of my current role.
I am in a dilemma about what I should do. Any advice please?

[Starlighting888]

Do what is right for you and will make you happy, who cares for others think - their thoughts wont make you happy. Could you ask to switch your hours so you can commute outside rush hour or work from home one day a week?

[Wrybread]

I'd absolutely ask to change to the other role

[Isleepinahedgefund]

Do what you feel is best for you. I work with a couple of people who actively sought demotion - slightly different from you as they couldn't deal with the challenges the higher level role presented to them. They are viewed as unlikely candidates for promotion, but would be welcome to apply and would get the job if they were the best candidates regardless of their previous career decisions.

[missminimum]

Thanks for the replies. I can't reduce my hours in my current role as doing the minimum allowed for the role. It is not a role that I can usually do from home and need to be present most of the time. I do some times vary commute hours, to avoid rush hour, but this is not always possible. I should not be as concerned about what others may think and do what is right for me. I am worried I may regret it

[JuniorDetective]

Your time is precious. Have you calculated how much you are paid per hour once you factor the travel (and cost of travel) in? I'd be doing that to see if i really am working for more money. It's one of those situations where I'd be doing a list of pros and cons of applying and then seeing if there's anything I can do to make the cons into pros. It doesn't matter what others think about your reasons for taking a demotion.

[Starlighting888]

Hmmm would you rather carry on in your current position (unhappy) in case you make a change and regret it?

What’s good for you is also good for your career because you will perform better. Careers are about experience gained and not just being the highest possible grade (in my opinion).

[KayM2]

It is good that people are being so empathetic about this.

I would have been well advised to move down a level in my career; I got promoted beyond my true abilities. It was a very bad , miserable experience for the last 10 years. So my sympathies are with you on this; we only have one life ( etc etc) and family and friends are the most important things.

[Chillspot]

KayM2 - intrigued by your post and sorry to hear that. I can relate to some extent. Have you stayed in the role? How has it played out?

[Alfie190]

I do believe in doing what is right for you. I am also seeking to take a step back on the career ladder. But you have to know if you do this you can't have it both ways, if you step back yes you will look like you cannot hack it, you will be damaging your career and you have to know that.

[swingofthings]

How old are you? If you are young, then I would keep it up and work on learning to switch off. It's not easy to do but you fldefinitepy can learn. If you are older, don't aspire to go up the ladder any longer and happy to just have a job you are happy to go to, then go for the other.

You do need to consider the impact of increasing your hours though. No commute is great but if you have a day off now and you intend to go back ft, you might find it tiring to miss out on that day off each week.

[fieryginger]

That not switching off, it clouds your free time. I'd do it for that alone.