Ask HN: Imminent demotion, what to do?

I was promoted to tech lead 2 months ago. Everything was going great until the company announced a reorg.

Things are still up in the air but I asked my boss what are the plans for my team and he confessed it's likely we will be split apart and each one will be allocated in different teams.

All the possible teams mentioned already have tech leads do my position would be made redundant. I'll likely go back to IC if I agree to stay.

The idea of getting demoted so soon after getting promoted feels bad. It killed my enthusiasm today.

Have you ever gone through a similar reorg? Any advice?

14 points | by throwawaypqpq 527 days ago

9 comments

  • danwee 527 days ago
    > I was promoted to tech lead 2 months ago

    Did you get a salary increase as well? And if so, would they decrease your salary if you go back to IC? If you keep your salary increase, that's a good deal. If there was no salary increase -> that wasn't a promotion! If they decrease your pay -> find another job

  • ipaddr 527 days ago
    Stick around until you actually get demoted because you never know if someone else is asked to go or if a promotion happens or if someone quits. I've been through some reorgs and it never really goes the way it initially appears.
  • mnming 527 days ago
    I don't know about your org but in many companies changing from tech lead (a role) to IC (another role) isn't considered as demotion. I personally love being IC.

    But I understand you might not want to be IC again, so I think you know what to do ;)

  • toomuchtodo 526 days ago
    As others have said, see how it shakes out. If you have a network, spin it up to get ready to bounce if things turn south. Fortune favors the prepared. Better to have an exit strategy you don’t need than need one when you don’t have it. In the end, it’s just a job. Don’t put too much emotional stock in it.
  • tucaz 526 days ago
    While some authority comes from your role most of it comes from your attitude.

    If you move to a new team officially as an IC, do what you do best and demonstrate your leadership skills. If they are truly there, people will follow your lead and the “demotion” has never happened.

  • yuppie_scum 527 days ago
    Will your compensation be the same? If so, enjoy the lesser responsibilities and leave the lead role vague on your resume.
  • biglyburrito 527 days ago
    Update your resume & look around for a tech lead role at a different company. If your current company's reorg isn't going to work out in your favor, it's on you to take action.
  • BOOSTERHIDROGEN 526 days ago
    Keep silent don’t tell any discomfort until the reorg happen, focus on your job, don’t bring up any talk about it, when asked tell you have no idea.
  • solardev 525 days ago
    The market's really rough right now, so if you're thinking of leaving, find another position before quitting.
    [-]