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Transferring to a “lower†position in a different field - how does voluntarily demoting impact my career?
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For personal reasons I am looking to make a transfer to an office in a different state. Currently I am a Level 3 engineer, whose definition includes:
Degree and typical experience in engineering classification: Bachelor's and 5 or more years' experience, Master's degree with 3 or more years' experience or PhD degree with experience.
I currently have 3 years of experience and a Master's degree. I was only recently promoted to Level 3 based on my performance in that time.
The position I'm considering to transfer to is a Level 2 position:
Degree and typical experience in engineering classification: Bachelor's and 2 or more years' experience or a Master's degree with experience.
Based on my discussions with the hiring manager, they do not have budget for a Level 3 position, only a Level 2. Based on my research of salaries for the position, my current salary is on the high end for a Level 2 in the new office (and kind of low if I were to go as a Level 3). From my understanding, an offer is imminent. My guess is they will offer me my current salary (which is really a pay cut due to the cost of living increase).
To be fair, the Level 2 position I'm considering is more aligned with my career goals AND I don't have industry experience in that subfield yet. My Master's degree was focused on this subfield, so what I would be doing is not brand new to me.
I do worry about the compensation but more importantly I'm concerned about how "demoting" to take this position would impact my career.
career-development
asked Dec 9 '15 at 14:57
Dang Khoa
3421416
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
For personal reasons I am looking to make a transfer to an office in a different state. Currently I am a Level 3 engineer, whose definition includes:
Degree and typical experience in engineering classification: Bachelor's and 5 or more years' experience, Master's degree with 3 or more years' experience or PhD degree with experience.
I currently have 3 years of experience and a Master's degree. I was only recently promoted to Level 3 based on my performance in that time.
The position I'm considering to transfer to is a Level 2 position:
Degree and typical experience in engineering classification: Bachelor's and 2 or more years' experience or a Master's degree with experience.
Based on my discussions with the hiring manager, they do not have budget for a Level 3 position, only a Level 2. Based on my research of salaries for the position, my current salary is on the high end for a Level 2 in the new office (and kind of low if I were to go as a Level 3). From my understanding, an offer is imminent. My guess is they will offer me my current salary (which is really a pay cut due to the cost of living increase).
To be fair, the Level 2 position I'm considering is more aligned with my career goals AND I don't have industry experience in that subfield yet. My Master's degree was focused on this subfield, so what I would be doing is not brand new to me.
I do worry about the compensation but more importantly I'm concerned about how "demoting" to take this position would impact my career.
career-development
asked Dec 9 '15 at 14:57
Dang Khoa
3421416
Are both the jobs in the same domain, or are they related?
– Dawny33
Dec 9 '15 at 14:59
@Dawny33 Both jobs are within aerospace. My current position is in test and evaluation, the new position is in flight control design. So they're related in that both are needed to build airplanes, but there isn't a ton of crossover on a day-to-day level. I should mention that my M.S. is in control systems, so it's not like the Level 2 position is brand new and I have no idea what I'm doing there.
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 15:05
2
What is your career goal? For becoming a level 4 in test&evaluation it's probably not good. For leading a happy and healthy life? That's up to you to decide.
– nvoigt
Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
This would be a big mistake within the same company.
– TheMathemagician
Dec 9 '15 at 15:28
2
@Lilientha my current job title (listed on LinkedIn) is Test & Evaluation Engineer. I would list the next one as "Guidance Nav and Control Engineer". Very different subfields. I don't think I would put level designation on LinkedIn..
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 16:43
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
For personal reasons I am looking to make a transfer to an office in a different state. Currently I am a Level 3 engineer, whose definition includes:
Degree and typical experience in engineering classification: Bachelor's and 5 or more years' experience, Master's degree with 3 or more years' experience or PhD degree with experience.
I currently have 3 years of experience and a Master's degree. I was only recently promoted to Level 3 based on my performance in that time.
The position I'm considering to transfer to is a Level 2 position:
Degree and typical experience in engineering classification: Bachelor's and 2 or more years' experience or a Master's degree with experience.
Based on my discussions with the hiring manager, they do not have budget for a Level 3 position, only a Level 2. Based on my research of salaries for the position, my current salary is on the high end for a Level 2 in the new office (and kind of low if I were to go as a Level 3). From my understanding, an offer is imminent. My guess is they will offer me my current salary (which is really a pay cut due to the cost of living increase).
To be fair, the Level 2 position I'm considering is more aligned with my career goals AND I don't have industry experience in that subfield yet. My Master's degree was focused on this subfield, so what I would be doing is not brand new to me.
I do worry about the compensation but more importantly I'm concerned about how "demoting" to take this position would impact my career.
career-development
asked Dec 9 '15 at 14:57
Dang Khoa
3421416
For personal reasons I am looking to make a transfer to an office in a different state. Currently I am a Level 3 engineer, whose definition includes:
Degree and typical experience in engineering classification: Bachelor's and 5 or more years' experience, Master's degree with 3 or more years' experience or PhD degree with experience.
I currently have 3 years of experience and a Master's degree. I was only recently promoted to Level 3 based on my performance in that time.
The position I'm considering to transfer to is a Level 2 position:
Degree and typical experience in engineering classification: Bachelor's and 2 or more years' experience or a Master's degree with experience.
Based on my discussions with the hiring manager, they do not have budget for a Level 3 position, only a Level 2. Based on my research of salaries for the position, my current salary is on the high end for a Level 2 in the new office (and kind of low if I were to go as a Level 3). From my understanding, an offer is imminent. My guess is they will offer me my current salary (which is really a pay cut due to the cost of living increase).
To be fair, the Level 2 position I'm considering is more aligned with my career goals AND I don't have industry experience in that subfield yet. My Master's degree was focused on this subfield, so what I would be doing is not brand new to me.
I do worry about the compensation but more importantly I'm concerned about how "demoting" to take this position would impact my career.
career-development
asked Dec 9 '15 at 14:57
Dang Khoa
3421416
edited Dec 9 '15 at 15:06
asked Dec 9 '15 at 14:57
Dang Khoa
3421416
asked Dec 9 '15 at 14:57
Dang Khoa
3421416
asked Dec 9 '15 at 14:57
Dang Khoa
3421416
3421416
Are both the jobs in the same domain, or are they related?
– Dawny33
Dec 9 '15 at 14:59
@Dawny33 Both jobs are within aerospace. My current position is in test and evaluation, the new position is in flight control design. So they're related in that both are needed to build airplanes, but there isn't a ton of crossover on a day-to-day level. I should mention that my M.S. is in control systems, so it's not like the Level 2 position is brand new and I have no idea what I'm doing there.
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 15:05
2
What is your career goal? For becoming a level 4 in test&evaluation it's probably not good. For leading a happy and healthy life? That's up to you to decide.
– nvoigt
Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
This would be a big mistake within the same company.
– TheMathemagician
Dec 9 '15 at 15:28
2
@Lilientha my current job title (listed on LinkedIn) is Test & Evaluation Engineer. I would list the next one as "Guidance Nav and Control Engineer". Very different subfields. I don't think I would put level designation on LinkedIn..
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 16:43
 |Â
show 2 more comments
Are both the jobs in the same domain, or are they related?
– Dawny33
Dec 9 '15 at 14:59
@Dawny33 Both jobs are within aerospace. My current position is in test and evaluation, the new position is in flight control design. So they're related in that both are needed to build airplanes, but there isn't a ton of crossover on a day-to-day level. I should mention that my M.S. is in control systems, so it's not like the Level 2 position is brand new and I have no idea what I'm doing there.
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 15:05
2
What is your career goal? For becoming a level 4 in test&evaluation it's probably not good. For leading a happy and healthy life? That's up to you to decide.
– nvoigt
Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
This would be a big mistake within the same company.
– TheMathemagician
Dec 9 '15 at 15:28
2
@Lilientha my current job title (listed on LinkedIn) is Test & Evaluation Engineer. I would list the next one as "Guidance Nav and Control Engineer". Very different subfields. I don't think I would put level designation on LinkedIn..
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 16:43
Are both the jobs in the same domain, or are they related?
– Dawny33
Dec 9 '15 at 14:59
Are both the jobs in the same domain, or are they related?
– Dawny33
Dec 9 '15 at 14:59
@Dawny33 Both jobs are within aerospace. My current position is in test and evaluation, the new position is in flight control design. So they're related in that both are needed to build airplanes, but there isn't a ton of crossover on a day-to-day level. I should mention that my M.S. is in control systems, so it's not like the Level 2 position is brand new and I have no idea what I'm doing there.
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 15:05
@Dawny33 Both jobs are within aerospace. My current position is in test and evaluation, the new position is in flight control design. So they're related in that both are needed to build airplanes, but there isn't a ton of crossover on a day-to-day level. I should mention that my M.S. is in control systems, so it's not like the Level 2 position is brand new and I have no idea what I'm doing there.
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 15:05
2
2
What is your career goal? For becoming a level 4 in test&evaluation it's probably not good. For leading a happy and healthy life? That's up to you to decide.
– nvoigt
Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
What is your career goal? For becoming a level 4 in test&evaluation it's probably not good. For leading a happy and healthy life? That's up to you to decide.
– nvoigt
Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
This would be a big mistake within the same company.
– TheMathemagician
Dec 9 '15 at 15:28
This would be a big mistake within the same company.
– TheMathemagician
Dec 9 '15 at 15:28
2
2
@Lilientha my current job title (listed on LinkedIn) is Test & Evaluation Engineer. I would list the next one as "Guidance Nav and Control Engineer". Very different subfields. I don't think I would put level designation on LinkedIn..
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 16:43
@Lilientha my current job title (listed on LinkedIn) is Test & Evaluation Engineer. I would list the next one as "Guidance Nav and Control Engineer". Very different subfields. I don't think I would put level designation on LinkedIn..
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 16:43
 |Â
show 2 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
11
down vote
accepted
If the change is to a lower classification in order to get experience in a new career field or subfield, then it is not likely to hurt you at all except for the financial issue. Plenty of people have to temporarily move downward to get into a particular specialization.
If you are changing physical locations, it also might not hurt very much. People will recognize that sometimes you have to take what you can get when you need to change localities.
Where it would hurt the most is when you stay at the same employer in the same location working in the same specialty. Then it is a demotion and people will want to know why you were moved down.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
HLGEM
133k25226489
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I do worry about the compensation but more importantly I'm concerned about how "demoting" to take this position would impact my career.
Probably little to no impact. From what I seen the "level" system is arbitrary and at the same time proprietary to each company. Since you're being paid the salary of a level 2, it sounds to me like your new boss is going to treat you as a senior level person but just can't officially put that down at HR. As such, it wouldn't really matter since your responsibilities would be that of a senior role.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 17:30
Dan
4,752412
suggest improvements |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
11
down vote
accepted
If the change is to a lower classification in order to get experience in a new career field or subfield, then it is not likely to hurt you at all except for the financial issue. Plenty of people have to temporarily move downward to get into a particular specialization.
If you are changing physical locations, it also might not hurt very much. People will recognize that sometimes you have to take what you can get when you need to change localities.
Where it would hurt the most is when you stay at the same employer in the same location working in the same specialty. Then it is a demotion and people will want to know why you were moved down.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
HLGEM
133k25226489
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
11
down vote
accepted
If the change is to a lower classification in order to get experience in a new career field or subfield, then it is not likely to hurt you at all except for the financial issue. Plenty of people have to temporarily move downward to get into a particular specialization.
If you are changing physical locations, it also might not hurt very much. People will recognize that sometimes you have to take what you can get when you need to change localities.
Where it would hurt the most is when you stay at the same employer in the same location working in the same specialty. Then it is a demotion and people will want to know why you were moved down.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
HLGEM
133k25226489
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
11
down vote
accepted
up vote
11
down vote
accepted
If the change is to a lower classification in order to get experience in a new career field or subfield, then it is not likely to hurt you at all except for the financial issue. Plenty of people have to temporarily move downward to get into a particular specialization.
If you are changing physical locations, it also might not hurt very much. People will recognize that sometimes you have to take what you can get when you need to change localities.
Where it would hurt the most is when you stay at the same employer in the same location working in the same specialty. Then it is a demotion and people will want to know why you were moved down.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
HLGEM
133k25226489
If the change is to a lower classification in order to get experience in a new career field or subfield, then it is not likely to hurt you at all except for the financial issue. Plenty of people have to temporarily move downward to get into a particular specialization.
If you are changing physical locations, it also might not hurt very much. People will recognize that sometimes you have to take what you can get when you need to change localities.
Where it would hurt the most is when you stay at the same employer in the same location working in the same specialty. Then it is a demotion and people will want to know why you were moved down.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
HLGEM
133k25226489
answered Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
HLGEM
133k25226489
answered Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
HLGEM
133k25226489
answered Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
HLGEM
133k25226489
133k25226489
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I do worry about the compensation but more importantly I'm concerned about how "demoting" to take this position would impact my career.
Probably little to no impact. From what I seen the "level" system is arbitrary and at the same time proprietary to each company. Since you're being paid the salary of a level 2, it sounds to me like your new boss is going to treat you as a senior level person but just can't officially put that down at HR. As such, it wouldn't really matter since your responsibilities would be that of a senior role.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 17:30
Dan
4,752412
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I do worry about the compensation but more importantly I'm concerned about how "demoting" to take this position would impact my career.
Probably little to no impact. From what I seen the "level" system is arbitrary and at the same time proprietary to each company. Since you're being paid the salary of a level 2, it sounds to me like your new boss is going to treat you as a senior level person but just can't officially put that down at HR. As such, it wouldn't really matter since your responsibilities would be that of a senior role.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 17:30
Dan
4,752412
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
I do worry about the compensation but more importantly I'm concerned about how "demoting" to take this position would impact my career.
Probably little to no impact. From what I seen the "level" system is arbitrary and at the same time proprietary to each company. Since you're being paid the salary of a level 2, it sounds to me like your new boss is going to treat you as a senior level person but just can't officially put that down at HR. As such, it wouldn't really matter since your responsibilities would be that of a senior role.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 17:30
Dan
4,752412
I do worry about the compensation but more importantly I'm concerned about how "demoting" to take this position would impact my career.
Probably little to no impact. From what I seen the "level" system is arbitrary and at the same time proprietary to each company. Since you're being paid the salary of a level 2, it sounds to me like your new boss is going to treat you as a senior level person but just can't officially put that down at HR. As such, it wouldn't really matter since your responsibilities would be that of a senior role.
answered Dec 9 '15 at 17:30
Dan
4,752412
answered Dec 9 '15 at 17:30
Dan
4,752412
answered Dec 9 '15 at 17:30
Dan
4,752412
answered Dec 9 '15 at 17:30
Dan
4,752412
4,752412
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
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Are both the jobs in the same domain, or are they related?
– Dawny33
Dec 9 '15 at 14:59
@Dawny33 Both jobs are within aerospace. My current position is in test and evaluation, the new position is in flight control design. So they're related in that both are needed to build airplanes, but there isn't a ton of crossover on a day-to-day level. I should mention that my M.S. is in control systems, so it's not like the Level 2 position is brand new and I have no idea what I'm doing there.
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 15:05
2
What is your career goal? For becoming a level 4 in test&evaluation it's probably not good. For leading a happy and healthy life? That's up to you to decide.
– nvoigt
Dec 9 '15 at 15:12
This would be a big mistake within the same company.
– TheMathemagician
Dec 9 '15 at 15:28
2
@Lilientha my current job title (listed on LinkedIn) is Test & Evaluation Engineer. I would list the next one as "Guidance Nav and Control Engineer". Very different subfields. I don't think I would put level designation on LinkedIn..
– Dang Khoa
Dec 9 '15 at 16:43