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Wanting to change roles and step back

Michael

Hi. I've been in HR for about 30 years and am probably in the last 5 years of my career, operating at a "Head of" level. I'm thinking about changing a little and being in a role with little or no management responsibility, but which will draw on my knowledge and experience to continue to support people in work. I've been thinking about Business Partner or Advisor type roles, but I'm worried about people discounting me, either because of my age, or a perception that I'm not serious or will get bored in what is perceived to be a role which I would have done years ago. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to make progress on this? I have actually had experience of being discounted because I was deemed to be "overqualified".

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  • Dear Michael, In my earlier HR career, I had an opportunity to work with someone in a similar situation to yours, a very experienced senior with extensive knowledge and experience. She chose the role of an HR project manager, being involved in all crucial projects and collaborating with less experienced colleagues. Thanks to that, she combined her authority and expertise with mentoring and knowledge sharing. She also was an informal advisor to the new Managing Director. As a young professional at that time, strict cooperation with her was a formative experience of the highest standards, which I still maintain when working in a leadership role. A business partner or advisor may be a good idea, given that it allows one to remain in the central business stream.
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  • Dear Michael, In my earlier HR career, I had an opportunity to work with someone in a similar situation to yours, a very experienced senior with extensive knowledge and experience. She chose the role of an HR project manager, being involved in all crucial projects and collaborating with less experienced colleagues. Thanks to that, she combined her authority and expertise with mentoring and knowledge sharing. She also was an informal advisor to the new Managing Director. As a young professional at that time, strict cooperation with her was a formative experience of the highest standards, which I still maintain when working in a leadership role. A business partner or advisor may be a good idea, given that it allows one to remain in the central business stream.
Children