Redefining Leadership: Career Demotion ≠ Demotivated
A career demotion? It wasn’t a step back—it sparked a transformation and became my step forward.
1st Demotion: A New Perspective on Leadership
I began my journey as a Senior SDET, where I honed my skills in testing, automation, and quality assurance. The next logical step in my career was a promotion to Head of QE—a role that was both thrilling and daunting. The responsibility of leading a larger team, managing strategic initiatives, and ensuring the quality of complex systems came with its own set of challenges. At first, it felt like a natural progression, and I dove into the role with full enthusiasm.
However, reality soon set in. The expectations were high, and the responsibilities, even higher. There were moments when I struggled to balance leadership with technical expertise, moments that tested my confidence and decision-making. The challenges grew, and ultimately, I found myself transitioning back to a more hands-on role as Senior QE Lead.
At first, it might have seemed like a demotion, but in hindsight, it was far from a setback. In fact, it was a blessing in disguise. This "step back" gave me the breathing room to recalibrate, refocus on what I truly enjoyed—leading by example and mentoring my team—and build a deeper understanding of the core areas of quality engineering that needed my attention.
What seemed like a demotion was, in reality, a chance to rediscover my leadership style and continue growing. It was the catalyst for a transformation I hadn't expected, but one that ultimately propelled me to become a more effective, purpose-driven leader.
2nd Behind The Story: My Reluctance to Lead Again
After spending two years as Head of QE, I had a candid conversation with my supervisor where I made it clear that I didn’t want to continue in the role. Early on, I realized that my strengths were more aligned with technical work rather than managing people. I enjoyed being hands-on, solving problems, and focusing on the technical aspects of quality engineering, rather than taking on broader managerial responsibilities.
As my second year unfolded, it became clear to me that the company needed someone who could build stronger relationships with external departments—someone who excelled at networking and socializing, which I knew weren’t my strengths. I realized that staying in the Head of QE role wouldn’t be the best fit for me.
Despite my reservations, my supervisor encouraged me to remain in the position. His belief in my leadership potential, even when I doubted it, was a powerful reminder that leadership often requires stepping up in ways we don’t always expect.
3rd Dreams Come True: A New Opportunity in Senior QE Lead
A couple of weeks after my supervisor had declined my request to step down from the Head of QE role, something unexpected happened. During another conversation, he offered me the chance to transition into the position of Senior QE Lead. He explained that there would be new people joining the QE department, and he wasn’t sure if I would want the role or if I could handle the challenges of managing a new team with varying backgrounds and experiences.
This new opportunity seemed like the perfect balance I had been searching for—a role that allowed me to focus on technical work while also stepping into a leadership position without being overwhelmed by the broader management responsibilities of the Head of QE. It felt like a dream come true, a position where I could contribute my technical expertise while also growing as a leader in a way that aligned with my strengths.
4th Proof of Demotion: A Step Toward Growth
Although the shift from Head of QE to Senior QE Lead could be seen by some as a demotion, it became clear to me that this change was actually a step forward in my career. The role offered me a chance to refine my skills in technical leadership while stepping back from the broader managerial tasks I wasn't as passionate about. It allowed me to focus on what I do best—mentoring teams, solving complex technical problems, and driving quality engineering initiatives—without the weight of managing large-scale cross-department relationships.
Rather than feeling like a setback, this transition reaffirmed that sometimes, stepping down from a leadership title can be the best decision for personal and professional growth. It wasn’t about losing status; it was about gaining the opportunity to lead in a way that felt more aligned with my true capabilities.
5th Demotion Not Because of Performance, But Passion
Stepping down from the Head of QE role wasn’t a reflection of poor performance but a shift in passion. While I had successfully managed the responsibilities and contributed to the company’s goals, I realized my true passion lay in technical work and problem-solving, rather than broad managerial duties. It wasn’t about lacking leadership ability, but about aligning my career with what truly excites me—leading in a technical capacity where I could have a greater impact and feel more fulfilled.
In the end, getting demoted wasn’t a setback—it was the plot twist that helped me grow, and I eventually found my way back to the Head of QE role for even better reasons! — MperMperPisang #WishMeLuck
