Possible step toward FI? Transition to lower-level PT work at same company.

[Zoot Allures]

I'm planning to leave my job next year despite not achieving FI yet, which for me means I'll be entering a phase in which I've got my "old man money" saved up and will turn my attention to more satisfying personal work and projects while bringing in enough income to make ends meet.

I work in management at a large health care organization--good pay, amazing benefits, pension plan (!). I've been here for more than 10 years, and as someone who needs to make major life changes from time to time, I need to get out of here. Even if my department offered me a half-time schedule, I don't think I'd take it--I need a clean break and don't want to keep working on the same projects with the same people. And while my job isn't very stressful, it does come with a lot of responsibilities I'm tired of carrying.

Which leads me to the idea of easing the transition by spending a year or two doing a chill part-time job at this massive organization, such as registration representative (checking people in for their appointments). There would be a huge pay cut, but at 20 hours/week, I would keep my benefits, including the ability to keep contributing to my 403(b)--which I could probably do if I'm bringing in freelance income. I'm not a status-oriented person and I have no issues with doing lower-level work at this point in my career (a word I don't really relate to anyway). Though it did occur to me that in a public-facing new position, I could encounter former colleagues, and that could make for some slightly awkward moments.

Anyone else done or considered something like this? The other options, of course, are (1) leave the organization completely and figure out health insurance, etc., on my own, which I'll need to do eventually anyway; and (2) suck it up and see if I can stay in my department at 20 hours/week.

[DS]

Here are some thoughts on the topic:

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/post-fire/calling-all-downshifters!/

[Zoot Allures]

Aha--so it's a thing! Of course it is. "Downshifting." I like it.

Thanks for the link :)

[LateToTheParty]

I completed downshift #1 at the beginning of the year. Went from healthcare middle manager to a direct patient care position.  It has been wonderful. I still work full time, but it is full time 40 hours instead of full time 60 hours. And the work is so much more rewarding.
I do run into former coworkers, and generally people are happy that I am happy.

Downshift #2 will come in the next 2-3 years. Will either shift to part time position and ride out 5-6 years longer to reach golden handcuff full retirement age, or will just walk away, fully FIRE. Kinda depends on what happens to the ACA.

I am in the NW area too. Your post sounded entirely familiar.
Best wishes with your decision making.

[DreamFIRE]

I've done a bit of a downshifting over the last year and a half, going from about 45 hours per week down to 40-42, and for most of the summer, averaging 24 hours by using benefits days.

I'm really liking these 24 hour weeks through the summer, so instead of FIREing completely next spring, I'm considering offering to stay on part time 8 to 24 hr/wk if my employer is interested.  I would do the same job for the same pay rate with the downside that I would almost certainly be expected to cross-train other staff on my specialties, so I wouldn't have as much peace in my own office as I currently have, but it might be worth it with a much lighter work schedule.  In my case, I would probably try to commit to it 6 months to a year rather than long term.  Ultimately, I'm going to want the freedom to take off without a commitment of a work schedule, plus I'm also considering relocating.

[CCCA]

I've downshifted in the form of doing part time work (50% time) at my University research position for the past couple of years.  It also manifested itself in turning down some additional work responsibilities and potential promotions.  I'm currently on sabbatical for a year (or more).  I have alot of autonomy in my field since I raise my own salary from grants and contracts within the University. 
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[MaybeBabyMustache]

I'm considering this now. I tried to give notice last week, and was offered a sabbatical + a part time role option. My company doesn't "do" part-time, and I'm quite senior, so I was incredibly surprised. We are still working together to determine if there are realistic part time options available that meet both of our needs

[EnjoyIt]

I have been doing this transition for a few years now.  I used to work about 50-60 hrs/wk with 24/7 responsibility and now transitioned to about 35-45 hours per week but still with 24/7 responsibility.  In about 6 months I will be dropping the 24/7 responsibility which will have me working about 20 hours per week.  Those 6 months could't come fast enough.