The Demotion I Wanted?

I have been promoted several times in my career. Throughout my career in the military, my career as a professional educator, and in my various roles in the private sector, I have earned several promotions. I sought some of the promotions. In other circumstances, those promotions sought me. With each promotion the new role brought additional responsibility. I craved those moments. The promotions also brought new potential for scrutiny in the military and in the public sector. Certainly, the promotions even brought higher pay. Each of these moments were special in their own way.

Recently I was demoted. I have never before been demoted....or given a role "less than."  Recently, my wife and I dropped our youngest child off in a dorm room for his first year in college. The  previous week we had  moved our daughter into her first apartment as a third year student. 

In taking these actions I realized that for the first time in my life, I had been demoted. I went from the Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, of my family to the Chief Operating Officer. 

Perhaps I am being too generous to myself. At best, I am the Co-Chief Operating Officer. I think my wife and I share this role. And to be completely honest, I think in this new role, I might actually be her assistant! 

As a professional educator, a building principal, a district curriculum director, an assistant-superintendent and a public school superintendent I was the CEO in my family. I am a loving father and adoring spouse. This role is one that I grew into as my children progressed through their public school life. I did not always serve in these roles in the same district as my children. Regardless I played a major role in their school life behind the scenes. I knew the expectations and I knew how to guide them for my kids to meet success. 

Now my role is one where I guide on the side. 

As both of my kids strike out on their own, I can no longer take an active hand in guiding their educational career. I am starting to realize that it is my job to manage the logistics. I make sure that there is a management taxonomy to ensure that payments are made to the appropriate places. It is now my job to ensure there are structures in place to improve communications and efficiencies. 

My kids, whether they realize it or not, have transitioned to the role of Chief Executive in their own life. I guess when I consider their promotion and their skills, my demotion from CEO to COO is one of which I can be proud. Maybe this is the demotion I have always wanted!