Moving down the ladder- how?

[StStephensTower]

I should probably know the answer to this because I work in HR but I am at a point in my career where I am stressed to the eye balls, over worked and feeling like I am failing at every turn. I really want to go back down the ladder and just do the admin or recruitment coordination but I can't see how to sell myself without looking like a total failure.
Any advice or experience in how to switch back down a gear before I just break 😔?

I done it 3 years ago. I switched companies. Was so worried how I'd be perceived moving down a rung, but once I done it I stopped caring. Best move I've ever made. Good luck OP 💐

I was in HR. Changed to a new career path linked to my original degree 2 years ago. Went in right at the bottom, absolutely loving it, and working my way slowly up the ladder (but not too far as I actually enjoy the "doing").

It's more common than you think. People in senior roles who've burnt out or just plain had enough, or people who have kids/family commitments, or who just want an easier few years before they retire etc etc

You don't have to constantly move up. I'm about mid career, in a senior position and have absolutely no desire to go for promo. When I leave this company, my next step will be into a more junior role.

A big thing is how you frame it on your CV when you're applying for roles that are a clear step down.

Thank you, I just needed to hear that it can happen. I have interviewed before to be told I am overqualified even though it was my choice to apply for the role so I think that still burns

I was Head of Department in a secondary school and I stepped down. Best decision I ever made. However, I later discovered that the only reason the management agreed was that they thought I was having some sort of breakdown and would get over it and want my post of responsibility back. In fact, I was looking for a way out (and I found it).

Depending on your age you can go preparing to retire and want to change your work life balance?
Change in family dynamic and need better work like balance?
Or love the culture and possible career path that the business has...
And can afford the drop in pay.

Think about what would make you hire someone who who is a risk of moving on due to the step down in role and have all your ducks in a row.

Are you able to pass on responsibilities to more junior staff to help their career progression and you pick up some of the easier work? I'd be talking this through with my boss to see if its feasible.

I reduced my hours and passed stuff down, was great for the organisation in terms of having a ready made head of department to step into my shoes at retirement.

OP, you described me 10yrs ago. In my case the role became redundant, but it was for the best.

I did temp work for a while- something I'd done 15yrs earlier. I've since moved slightly sideways, same sector but different job and focus. I'm nearby earning what I was in the stressful director role, but that is offset by WFH, flexibility, no line management and FAR less stress.

Is there an agency/temp company you could join? It might give you a chance to see different working environments and step back a bit in terms of seniority. I was often told about permanent jobs when temping too. What you describe is more common than you think.

You need to address this on your CV. As a hiring manager, if an applicant was applying for a role on my team they're clearly overqualified for, my fear would be a) they only see this as a temporary job and will be off as soon as a role at their current level or higher comes up. Or b) they've misunderstood the role and are going to withdraw once they get more detail/see the salary

So add something to your CV to explain the move. Just a sentence. Can be vague-ish. Doesn't need great detail or to say you were burnt out/have family commitments etc. (eg: Having enjoyed my time as Head of X, I'm now looking to move back to a senior X role, where I'll have the opportunity to do more hands on work and interact directly with clients" blah blah blah

This is all reassuring, thank you. I feel a bit more
positive now that I can find something at a level I will enjoy. Sadly not close to retirement but I can't go on like this without burning out :(