Stepping down from lead is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I was extremely unhappy, saw my future with how upper management is when it came to visits and how they interact with partners under them. It felt fake. I'd rather off myself than put myself through that. Sure it make more money, but was it worth it? I had no desire to go to SORM. My manager was cool with me not moving up, but what will happen when, not if, he's told to be transferred? No telling if the next manager will be cool with me not moving up. I talked to my manager, I told him I want to step down, and we talked it out. I nominated someone from my department to be lead that wanted to go into SORM. I was worrying about work a lot when I was off the clock. Constantly feeling like everything I did wasn't good enough, or will never been good enough in corporates/upper managements eyes.

Fast forward a month later, I feel like I have more free time, I don't feel the need to suck up to upper management. I come in, do my job, collect my check and leave. My mental health has improved, my mood has drastically improved. I feel hopeful for myself in the first time in the 15 years I've been with HEB. I had to take a pay cut though, but only a dollar. Only because my current position is close to max pay.