I have spent the better part of my life climbing the corporate ladder and it has honestly been the only thing I’ve known. I am probably what some would label, a classic Capricorn female, driven, passionate, and focused. I have embedded all those characteristics and more, but what happens when your desire to descend the ladder outshines the shine your inherent need to climb that same ladder? This is exactly what happened to me this past Spring, my desire to climb down and descend became more of a goal than maintaining my current COO staff and I had absolutely zero desire to climb and higher. It was a real moment of reckoning for me and required just as much planning and preparing as I had done to ascend the ladder. So, what happened? 

 Well, what was bound to happen I suppose, there were several challenges, some lingering doubts, and of course A LOT of “wait, you gave up how much money” type of comments along my journey. Some of it I was kind of prepared for, but some of it I wished I would have had a guide for LOL!

So, what do you need to you before you, yourself makes the life changing decision to hang up your own cooperate hat? Read on my friends and hold on because although immensely satisfying, the descend can be a little bumpy and a bit like a six-loop roller coaster. 

The Descending Facts 

Most of us are taught to climb up the corporate ladder. Promotions, bigger titles, corner offices—that’s what success is supposed to look like. But for many professionals, climbing down the ladder is becoming a smarter, healthier move.

Here’s why stepping down isn’t a failure—it’s a strategy.

So why people are choosing to step back?

Burnout and misalignment. Some workers discover that the stress of management just isn’t worth it. One former Salesforce employee left the corporate grind for content creation and coaching, ultimately finding greater joy—and even higher income—outside traditional hierarchies (Business Insider, 2024).

Health and balance. Stepping down can help reclaim mental health, family time, and personal control. As Financial Samurai (2023) points out, it can be a “reset button” that leads to longer-term happiness.

Freedom and clarity. For others, taking a “bridge job” with fewer responsibilities provides the breathing room needed to plan a new chapter, like entrepreneurship 

Things to consider before stepping down:

         1.       Know your why. Be clear on your motivations—whether it’s health, entrepreneurship, or simply preferring hands-on work (FlexJobs, 2022; Financial Samurai, 2023).

         2.       Manage perceptions. Some employers may see stepping back as a red flag. Position your decision as intentional, not a fallback (FlexJobs, 2022).

         3.       Tell your story. Frame it around what excites you: “I loved leading, but I prefer technical problem-solving” (Reddit, 2023).

         4.      Transition wisely. Bridge jobs, consulting, or freelancing can make the move smoother (Business Insider, 2025; Washington Post, 2025).

         5.       Check your finances. Demotions may affect long-term stability, so plan ahead (Washington Post, 2025).

  6.      Don’t settle. Stepping back can be a launchpad for retraining or pivoting into a field that excites you (Inc., 2022).

Bringing it all together & a final take away

Us the following quick checklist to gage your readiness 

✔ Reflect on your motivations

✔ Explore alternatives (consulting, freelancing, lateral moves)

✔ Update your resume to match your new goals

✔ Have an honest but strategic conversation with your employer (Crucial Learning, 2022)

✔ Plan for financial implications

✔ Lean on mentors or coaches

✔ Embrace the transition

Climbing down the corporate ladder isn’t about giving up—it’s about taking control. Whether you pivot to freelancing, creative work, or a lower-stress role, stepping down can open the door to greater alignment, balance, and meaning.

In today’s world of “squiggly” careers, success isn’t defined by always moving up—it’s about moving in the direction that makes your life richer.

Looking to climb down the corporate ladder and need a bit of guidance doing so? Consider a coaching program and develop the confidence and the tools you will need to plan your decent Book your 30 FREE Coaching Session with me, Coach Carol, today by clicking here.

References

Business Insider. (2024, April). A millennial who quit Fidelity and Salesforce is one of many choosing to ‘descend the corporate ladder’ — for less stress. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-descend-corporate-ladder-less-stress-more-money-2024-4

Business Insider. (2025, April). I quit my director-level position and took a bridge job at a massage office. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/quit-director-level-position-took-bridge-job-massage-office-2025-4

Crucial Learning. (2022, February 8). Stepping down gracefully. Crucial Learning. https://cruciallearning.com/blog/stepping-down-gracefully/

Financial Samurai. (2023, December 17). Descending the corporate ladder could be the perfect solution. Financial Samurai. https://www.financialsamurai.com/descending-the-corporate-ladder-could-be-the-perfect-solution/

FlexJobs. (2022, July 25). How to step down the corporate ladder (without sabotaging your career). FlexJobs. https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/how-to-step-down-the-corporate-ladder

Reddit. (2023, March). Taking a step back: Getting out of management. r/ITManagers. https://www.reddit.com/r/ITManagers/comments/11k1ass/taking_a_step_back_getting_out_of_management/

Reddit. (2024, May). Those who declined the corporate ladder or stepped down — how’s it going? r/simpleliving. https://www.reddit.com/r/simpleliving/comments/1dp7w65/those_who_declined_the_corporate_ladder_or/

The Times. (2024, March 6). Unbossing: Why Gen Z don’t want to be managers. The Times. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/unbossing-work-trend-i-understand-why-cbgchgpb6Washington Post. (2025, June 23). Work advice: How to help a friend stuck on the career ladder. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/06/23/work-advice-career-ladder-stuck