How do I climb DOWN the ladder?

[weeowl]

I work in comms for a large corporate, where I'm viewed as experienced and capable. No people management but a fair bit of responsibility. It has good pay/benefits/hours, but I am so stressed and anxious all the time! Literally feel like a different person the days I'm not at work.
Recently there's been a lot of change, the pace is constantly increasing and all the new hires are a good 10 years younger than me and very ambitious/outgoing - it just isn't me. Plus I just don't really care about the job anymore.
I'd like to step back to a role with less pressure but how do I say that to a potential employer? A while back I had an interview and got told I was overqualified and would get bored. Why does everyone assume you want a step up, and has anyone successfully taken a step down??
More and more tempted to quit and just get some kind of admin role but what if I can't? Seems mad to give up the security.

Can you take some things off your CV?
I had to do it when I wanted a less pressured role.

Is there nothing within your organisation you could move to? Not necessarily down but side ways less pressure? A down step might not be the answer you are looking for, and combined with lower salary, new organisation, more menial job you could become even more unhappy very quickly.

Is there something within your org thT interests you. A project or similar? Could you take a sabbatical?

I did following maternity leave. I went for a part role a level or two down from the role I'd been doing pre-baby (Manager back down to Exec). Loved it. Loved the team, left on time every day and forgot about work completely when I wasn't there. I suppose in that instance the fact I was applying for a part time role was enough of a 'reason' from the employer's POV for me to step down. I increased my hours as my child got older and started to climb back up, which meant spending time in a few roles where I was over-qualified really. I thoroughly enjoyed being in less pressured roles TBH. Needed the Manager salary back though so I'm now back at the same level.

Could you shift to a slightly different industry/department or something? Or smaller company perhaps? And explain in interview that you are looking for a new challenge in a different environment.

Thanks, I probably do need to look elsewhere as the culture where I am is all about thriving on change, challenging yourself etc which just isn't what I want. Will definitely look at editing/refocusing my cv.

New company, and edited CV.
So, instead of leading the campaign, you worked on it. My CV isnt a work of fiction, but it is heavily edited. After a job interview where I was told I would get bored, and they then advertised the role, you also need to be careful in interview not to let slip how senior you were in a role.
I also gave one of my referees the heads up that I was applying for junior role, and my application focused on X and Y, and skirted over the team management I'd done! But I wasnt working for him at that point, and had done him a big favour after I'd stopped working for him.

I was Head of Department in a secondary school and took a step back by giving up the management role and going part time. I later discovered that the Head only agreed to the plan because he thought I would hate not being in charge and would want my old job back.
I never did.

I did 5 years ago and I love it. I really thought hard about how to positively position my choice with recruiters and interviewers to get in front of the overqualified argument, ie what was behind my decision and what I’d bring to the role. My current employer just feels very lucky - it wasn’t a big issue for them - and I feel massively appreciated.

I am the same as you! Recently been promoted and I hate it! No time for kids, constantly stressed and thinking about work. I fantasise about a part time admin job but then panic I’ll lose financial security and pension etc