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Many sources of career advice assume that you’ll be earning more money and taking on more responsibility. However, sometimes in life, you move in the opposite direction.

It can result from forces beyond your control or a voluntary decision. The economy is still recovering from the pandemic. However, some industries had more difficult times than others and haven’t recovered or survived. Even if you love your job and your company prosper, you may seek a change.

Whatever the reasons for resizing your career, you’re more likely to find what you want if you take an intentional approach. It will help you to master the modern rules for moving down the career ladder gracefully.

Benefits of Taking a Lower-Level Position:

· Reduce stress. More than 40% of workers say their job is highly or very stressful, according to a poll by Northwestern National Life. A less demanding job might enhance your health and overall well-being.

· Prepare for retirement. Are you considering working in your senior years to stretch your savings or stay engaged? Easing into your encore career may give you more time to determine what you want to do next.

· Change fields. Many employees change jobs and careers more often in the modern workforce. Being willing to take a more entry-level position can increase your options. You’ll also have a chance to learn new things and pick up additional skills.

· Pursue other interests. You may be less focused on your job than you used to be. You’d instead shift your time and energy to spending time with your family or working on personal projects.

Strategies for Finding a Lower-Level Position:

· Watch your budget. Before you leap to a lower-paying job, you must ensure you can live on your new salary. Reducing your housing expenses has the most impact. Dining in and canceling your cable subscription may help.

· Identify your strengths. Spend some time evaluating your transferable skills. Taking inventory will guide you to the kind of work where you excel.

· Explain yourself. Reassure potential employers about why you’re applying. They may be concerned that you won’t stay long or you’ll feel dissatisfied. Use cover letters and interviews to show why you’re taking a different path.

· Edit your resume. You may need to de-emphasize some of your achievements to avoid giving the impression that you’re overqualified. Use simple language and focus on the relevant aspects of your background.

· Ask your boss. Your current supervisor may be an asset. Before you leave your company, see if you can negotiate some adjustments. You could work remotely or switch to part-time hours. You could do some contract assignments on a temporary or longer-term basis.

· Use your network. Your other contacts may be valuable, too. They may have led themselves or be able to introduce you to others who need your services.

· Try it out. To make a transition with less risk, take a trial run. Hold onto your day job while doing some part-time or volunteer work that will broaden your experience and contacts.

· Take action. Any significant change can feel overwhelming. Break your plans down into smaller steps. For example, you might commit to filling out at least three job applications a week or attending one job fair each month.

Downshifting your career could open up new opportunities and create more balance in your life. Be prepared to explore your alternatives and market yourself to new employers.

You may find that your new arrangement is more satisfying than anything you left behind.