Demotion

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Been in a meeting with my boss today. Got told that working part time and managing two members of staff is not working, they pretty much covered my job while I was on maternity leave so it would now work better if I now supported them. So basically got demoted, a lot less responsibilities for the same money. So the roles have now reversed and I'll be working for them 😤
This has happened just after I've returned to work after a bereavement and I can't help but feel that the real crux of the issue is that I took time off work while a close family member was dying, I've been back at work for 3 weeks, still grieving and get told this under the pseudonym of empathy and compassion. Feeling really confused, I'm happy I have less responsibilities, but disappointed that'll be taking a step back and basically working for people that I've trained up!

My motto is out of every negative there is a positive to be found.

Remove the emotion

You've a well paid walk in the park job, that gives you headspace to deal with DC and grief.

Forget why, how and everything is, take it on face value and look after yourself. Your family are worth it, your job is not xx

Sorry to hear of your bereavement.

I think what you've heard today isn't the end of the story. It doesn't make sense for you to support people in a lower role, if you are more senior and better paid. Especially if you have managed them until now.

I would ask for a meeting in the new year to get more clarity. But I would also consider updating your CV over the Christmas break, should you decide that moving on might be better for you.

"I'm happy I have less responsibilities, but disappointed that'll be taking a step back and basically working for people that I've trained up!"

You need to decide which. You can't have less responsibility without stepping back.

You could potentially challenge this if you want to - terms and conditions aren't just things like pay and hours. But what do you actually want?

Did you work part time before maternity? If yes then this isn't right and you should challenge it via your HR dept if you have one.

If you've returned on a part time basis then it's reasonable for them to ask you to take a different role to accomodate the change in hours if you're agreeable; of course the alternative would be working full time if not.