I’m a well-paid professional ( 6 figures) and have built a department from scratch in a young business.
2 years ago we started to have more of a structure and I became “head of…”. Everything went well with the team, it turns out I’m a good manager and know how to hit targets whilst keeping the work stimulating for everyone. My team and colleagues are very loyal (possibly a bit more loyal than boss would like).
however things started badly with my boss. As soon as I started the role he appointed someone barely qualified (but with the gift of the gab) as my second in command. I was stunned. I had to give them a chance but then “let them fail” which is not how I like to behave. I told him how angry I was and he apologised but it shook us both. Things then went well (though the job was more stressful than before)till this year when a job advert for a junior partner for the team led to something else - my boss poaching an established team from another firm. The newcomers made it pretty clear at interview that the story I was being told was different to the story they were being told.
in the run up to their arrival my boss had head in the sand and was basically gaslighting me, telling me I was over sensitive, etc.
eventually the new team arrived. The seniors are good people and instantly grasped what my team has achieved and the need (in their words) “not to destroy what you’ve built”. (They’ve been through similar at their old place). My boss was engaged elsewhere during their first couple of weeks and I welcomed them/got them settled. Operationally everything is going really well, as usual.
finally (about 6 months too late) my boss decided it was time to assess how it would all work. He suggested changing all the seniors’ job titles and one of the newcomers understandably said no (fair enough!). Boss got angry, blamed me, sent me a series of emails that are out of character, said some things out of character, talked about firing me. Then he swivelled and said newcomers are now in charge and I’m demoted but he’ll pay me the same.
I have been exploring other opportunities and need to decide what to do. Part of me thinks my boss has changed so much I don’t want to work in an organisation he heads any more. Part of me makes allowances for his stress levels and thinks that the demoted job is actually more fun and the maintenance of pay is a sign of recognition. I won’t miss the management meetings so probably wouldn’t enjoy them elsewhere. I like the newcomers and wouldn’t mind supporting them.