It’s rare to hold conversations about a demotion as it seems demotivating. A promotion spurs exhilaration, but a demotion is just the opposite. 

Facing demotion at work can be a huge blow to one’s career and confidence at work. However, it’s important to understand that it is not the end of one’s career.

Instead, it should be the starting point of taking work seriously, believing in oneself and be willing to learn from their mistakes, tackle challenges, and improve their performance.

A demotion usually happens when an employee’s title and status is detached.

Demotivation breeds disappointment, low morale, and sadness. Net photo.

When it happens, it’s an indication that the company was displeased with an employee’s performance, and it usually comes with a decrease in pay for the employee. 

Experts say that some employees are incapable of satisfying the needs and responsibilities that come with their position, and when this doesn’t change, the employer is prone to terminate or demote that particular employee.

After a demotion, you might be ready to pack your bags and move on. But leaving your job right now might not be the best thing for your career. 

You probably need your employer as a reference, and if you leave on bad terms or because you’re upset, this can look bad when you’re applying for new positions. Stick it out for now and see if you can make it work. If not, you might consider switching jobs in the next few months, an article on 7 incredible ways to bounce back from a demotion shows.

According to Claire Mutesi, an accountant, demotivation breeds disappointment, low morale, and sadness. To her, before deciding on leaving your current job for a new one, it’s advisable to try to work on your mistakes and be better at your current position. This is because; leaving your job before gaining a new one can leave you unemployed. 

She also adds that leaving so fast abruptly may not be the best solution because you will need your boss as reference.

Be humble. This is one of the best ways to bounce back from a demotion, the article shows. You might be tempted to argue with your boss or prove your employer wrong, but your boss no doubt has a legitimate reason for the demotion. 

Even if you don’t agree, accept the fact that your boss knows best. At the end of the day, his loyalty is to the entire company, and not an individual worker.

As a way of coping, one can take part in volunteering or reach out to friends and family to recommend you to different professionals in your field, she adds.

Mutesi also says it’s important to lean on a support system for encouragement and counselling because a demotion can be devastating, and discouraging.  

Once you receive the demotion news, it’s imperative to make a plan on the way forward in your career, she says. It can be taking a new course, attending conferences or any other options that will help improve your skills and assist you to enhance your domain.

"Take time to notice where you could have gone wrong and ask your boss to open up to you about the areas that were the cause of the demotion, that would help you know why that decision was made,” Mutesi says.

She further highlights embracing the new position and to know the role you have to play. This way, you will have a chance to prove to your bosses that you are capable of fulfilling your duties, who knows, with time, your hard work might pay off.

According to Indeed Career Guide, it’s important to take time to reflect on the factors that led to your demotion. Most importantly, remember that you are still qualified and competent. 

Take time to assess all of the reasons for your change in position, both situational and performance-related, and try to figure out what you would like to do next. 

Furthermore, evaluate the things that you were able to accomplish in the role and the strengths that led to your promotion in the first place.

"It’s also important to take care of yourself if you’re experiencing a demotion. Be sure to take the time to relieve stress and think positively. You can practice self-care and stress management by; exercising, being outdoors, taking part in hobbies and spending time with friends and family.”