I followed the same trajectory. I was managing quite big teams and went to Liaison/Solutions Engineer. I had experience with troubleshooting projects and custom

I followed the same trajectory. I was managing quite big teams and went to Liaison/Solutions Engineer. I had experience with troubleshooting projects and customer relationships (mainly due to stuff getting escalated to me). A couple of ex-colleagues at my new employer supported my application; specifically that I had continued to demonstrate enthusiasm for some hands-on skills whilst in management. Parent is right. You don't need to lay people off. Getting stuff done in my new role is down to establishing credibility and knowing how teams and organisations work.