Ask HN: Have you made a career move “down” on purpose, and how has it been?

If you want to capture that money for yourself you can, but it will be a very hard slog.

Here's my Yes, And...

> ...a move back and down from senior strategy and product work back to engineering IC work

The single best political advice I've ever gotten:

"Make them ask you three times."

(aka Play hard to get, Make them think it's their idea.)

Assuming you intend to stay with the same employer...

If there's an IC role that you desire, do all the things to reposition yourself for that role. So that it's obvious to everyone you're the best person.

When your Boss (or higher) says, "Hey @throw_booored, what do you think of this exciting opportunity building the next generation Acme Wonder Widget?"

"Hmmm, gee Boss, that sure does look cool. I'd love to work on that! Alas, I really love my job. I'm doing important work, with great people, having an impact. And we're so busy hitting some important deadlines. I couldn't possibly abandon them at a time like this. I'm sure you'll find someone..."

Back and forth. Never dismiss the offer. Just demure. Always sound enthusiastic about the idea, grateful for the consideration, and oh so regretful you couldn't possibly take that role at this time.

Around the third time, you say something like "Wow. You've really planted a seed. I can't stop thinking about this. I'd like to say yes. What would a transition look like? Compensation? Responsibilities?" Etc, etc.

I was on parental leave when interviewing, and of course me becoming a dad made me pick this one over the other ones where I'd prolly have stressed a lot, worked extra for bonuses that don't exist where I ended up, etc.

I don't regret it, except when it's time to negociate a raise and I think about the amount I could be earning. Doesn't last long, I can still switch later if I really need the money, I'm still receiving very positive mails from those I declined, they're actively looking for new hires even recently.

This fallacy is so common, but so obviously illogical. By definition, "leadership" roles require a larger number of "followers". Corporate structures are inevitably pyramid shaped, with a tiny number of executives at the top and then more middle managers below and still more ICs at the base.

But unless you're in a country with exponential population growth happening, that structure clearly doesn't represent the populace. There are going to be way more older workers than there are spots at the top of the pyramid.

As a society, we really need to embrace reality and stop pretending like the 5% of people in the upper ranks succeeded and the other 95% of people failed, if they don't rise to the top and then stay there for the rest of their career.