Hey! TOTALLY feel the hatred of being a team lead! In my position I got a 6% raise and probably 200% more work. It’s absolutely miserable and people management is way more annoying than I ever realized. Mentally checked out after a team member retaliated against me for coaching her on some big job-related mistakes by taking a screenshot of a joke I had made in private 6 months prior and sending it to HR. If I rolled my eyes any harder they’d fall out of my head.

Is there a lateral move you can make into a different department/role? I applied for (and just got offered!) an opening internally - it’s entry level for that department, but a 10k/yr raise from where I am currently and I won’t have to be anyone’s manager (which I’d have honestly taken a pay cut for just to have a change).

The reason I ask is if you don’t like the management track, it may just not be a good fit for you. There are lots of ways to advance your career as an individual contributor, you may not have to take a step back. If going back to your old job is the only way and you can afford to, do it! If your bills are paid and you’re not pulling your hair out at the end of the day, it’s the right choice for your sanity. Either way, solidarity and good luck!