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AIBU?

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Original poster

To feel like I am being demoted?

87 replies

constantlylactating · 18/02/2026 21:33

I have worked for a medium sized organisation for the past 5 years. Almost immediately after starting I was given someone to line manage, and I have since built the team from scratch.

I am seen as a senior member of staff, with only my manager between myself and the CEO. I make all of the decisions for my department, in terms of setting the workload, planning out the year ahead month by month. I hold the budget and put together the full income and expenditure budget for the year. I pull together proposals for the board, including intricate income projection figures. Basically, if it's anything to do with my department I have the final say. Obviously my manager can and does suggest things, but he appreciates that I have the experience in this niche area where he does not.

At the start of the year my manager informed me that a new role was being created, sitting in between myself and him- an obvious step up for me, career wise. He said it needed to go external, but that I could also apply.

Recruitment is being handled by a 3rd party, and after an initial chat with them today it turns out that no, I am not being encouraged to apply. There are already 'plenty of applicants with more experience' and the recruiter does not recommend I apply as she does not believe I would even get an interview (?!).

I asked for clarity from my manager and he admitted that no, he does not see me in that role. He said he didn't want to be the one to tell me, which is why he used a 3rd party recruiter.

I will admit, I found both conversations very demotivating.

I have been told my current job is safe. On the surface not much will change for me, AFAIK my job description is not being rewritten. However surely so much of it will change?

I will no longer be the budget holder, no longer the decision maker? I am not even sure if I will retain line management responsibility.

I don't know what to do or how to feel. My manager wants a chat with me next week and I don't even know if I should raise my concerns to him, as it is too late, the job has now been advertised.

IABU - no, you're being too precious/emotional
YANBU - yes it does sound like a demotion.

OP posts:
Original poster
constantlylactating · 18/02/2026 21:56

stayathomegardener · 18/02/2026 21:53

So unreasonable, rooting for you to realise your worth and secure a fabulous promotion elsewhere whilst your current workplace misses your skills everyday.

Logically I think it makes sense to apply for the role even if you treat this as a practice interview.

I think you are right, even though it will feel like a farce.

OP posts:
Clarinet1 · 18/02/2026 21:56

I’ve been through similar situations in the past. I found that someone else was give some of my role but I was then expected to “Show them the ropes”! I wasn’t quite petty enough to say it but how could I train someone to do things I wasn’t considered capable of doing myself?
As PPs have said, I suggest you apply for the new role (so no one can say they thought you didn’t want it) but also get CVs out and contact ACAS.

Original poster
constantlylactating · 18/02/2026 21:54

Quitelikeit · 18/02/2026 21:50

I am confused as to why they wouldn’t want you in the new role?

I mean why do they need an additional person? Will this person increase profits somehow?

It seems strange

Without being too outing regarding the type of work I do, they are looking for someone with heaps of experience in two adjacent areas. My manager has said he wants someone new with more experience than I have in one of those areas in particular.

Think of it as I am an expert in area A and pretty good at area B, this job is being described as B WITH A.

So my manager wants someone with more experience than me in B, but despite me being the current expert in A, and the person who has built my team on the premise of A with B, this new person would be managing my team going forward, not me.

OP posts:
stayathomegardener · 18/02/2026 21:53

So unreasonable, rooting for you to realise your worth and secure a fabulous promotion elsewhere whilst your current workplace misses your skills everyday.

Logically I think it makes sense to apply for the role even if you treat this as a practice interview.

Quitelikeit · 18/02/2026 21:50

I am confused as to why they wouldn’t want you in the new role?

I mean why do they need an additional person? Will this person increase profits somehow?

It seems strange

Kirschcherries · 18/02/2026 21:49

@constantlylactating

  • Ignore the recruiter and apply for the job - not applying gives them an excuse I.e. you didn’t apply.
  • Send your CV out and start job hunting.
  • If you can afford it pay for an employment lawyer to review both job descriptions and advise you on options.
Original poster
constantlylactating · 18/02/2026 21:46

Scarydinosaurs · 18/02/2026 21:46

If the new role and your role cross over, legally are they on dodgy ground?

I would seek legal advice before you speak to your manager.

Try calling ACAS.

Good idea thank you.

OP posts:
Scarydinosaurs · 18/02/2026 21:46

If the new role and your role cross over, legally are they on dodgy ground?

I would seek legal advice before you speak to your manager.

Try calling ACAS.

Original poster
constantlylactating · 18/02/2026 21:43

Duvetdayneeded · 18/02/2026 21:38

Have you compared the new job description with your current job?

Yes, there are many overlaps, which is why I assumed it would be an obvious step up for me, I am already doing much of the work.

OP posts:
Original poster
constantlylactating · 18/02/2026 21:42

AgnesMcDoo · 18/02/2026 21:35

There’s no future for you here.

Time to do your CV and start looking
for something else.

Don’t stay somewhere you are not appreciated.

sorry this has happened. It’s rubbish.

Edited

Thank you, it does feel rubbish. I am going to update my CV tomorrow and start sending it out. In my area of work you usually get jobs through recruitment companies so I will send it on to all of those.

I am sad though, I love my job, get on well with my colleagues, think a lot of the organisation and just not 'ready' to leave if that makes sense. Up until today I was very happy where I am, and would not have considered leaving.

OP posts:
Duvetdayneeded · 18/02/2026 21:38

Have you compared the new job description with your current job?

AgnesMcDoo · 18/02/2026 21:35

There’s no future for you here.

Time to do your CV and start looking
for something else.

Don’t stay somewhere you are not appreciated.

sorry this has happened. It’s rubbish.