Do I stay or do I go?

[Step5678]

I work in a large company in a reasonably (but not very) senior role. My role is quite niche, so there isn't huge demand for it, and I've pretty much reached the limit of what I can earn. To move up the ladder will require a sideways step first and I'm not quite sure what that would be.

Anyway, I went on mat leave and was asked to take a demotion on my final day in office. Timing was awful (for me, not them obviously), they said I could take some time to think about it but in reality that wasn't possible, baby would arrive any day so it wasn't the time for drawn out discussions or negotiations I just took what they offered and went on ML the following day.

While on my ML, the company restructured and I returned to a different team with a new boss. My job itself hasn't changed much, but is now working alone as opposed to as part of a team. My new boss doesn't seem engaged with what I do and we've had open discussions about the fact I may be better suited elsewhere in the company. So when an opportunity came up to move somewhere internally which felt like a better fit, I went for it but didn't get it. I now feel like I've burnt my bridges a bit and don't really belong anywhere. I have lost a lot of motivation and it's getting me down (hence awake typing this at 4am)

I have looked at alternative jobs, but they are all FT. I work PT and don't want to go back to FT just yet until baby is a bit older. This severely limits my options.

I could possibly take a year or so off work altogether and live off my savings, but this will mean compromises elsewhere and I'm worried about the long term effect on my career.

TLDR:

1. the demotion pre ML feels shady. Should I address this now or is it too late?

1. it's a reasonably well paid job, and my boss leaves me alone. Should I just take that as a good thing and ignore the lack of motivation? How do I get the motivation back?

1. What are my chances of finding a new job that will accommodate PT (I currently do 25 hours over 3 days)

1. Would taking a year off be really damaging to my career?

TIA and apologies for the ramble!

Stay, but start looking for something else

Thank you. It's the chances of finding something else that will accept PT hours that puts me off moving 🤔

1. *the demotion pre ML feels shady. Should I address this now or is it too late?

Yes… what was the reason for the demotion? How long had you been at the company when this happened?

Here's my thoughts as someone who has recently moved jobs after 2 May leaves and 12 years with the company.

Yes, the demotions seems odd and what terrible timing. I would raise this but it would have been better to query it at the time but get you weren't in the right headspace.

Don't leave your job until you get a new one, don't dip in to your savings if you don't have to. Plod along for now and keep looking.

I was approached for my new job via linked in.

I was demotivated and bored but safe in my old job, but so glad I left. As a mum of 2 young ones that works full time, I feel a bit rejuvenated if you know what I mean. Nice to have something new to learn and focus on.

Stay where you are if you are planning more kids/ wait until you are eligible for enhanced mat pay.

Well-paid, the boss leaving you alone, PT suited to your needs?
Personally, it s my dream role 😃
The demotion before ML is weird, but I m no HR expert/lawyer

Why aren t you motivated?
What is it you re looking for in a job?

When you say demoted, I assume you weren't given a pay cut? What was the reason for the demotion?