I'm a team lead for a group of people. The project that I am currently working on is ending and I am not sure what my next assignment will be. My manager has asked that I apply for a lower position than the one that I currently hold. I'm annoyed.
I'm a regular employee and have been in my team for a very long time. My performance reviews are great and my manager speaks highly of my work. There is some history dating back 5-15 years with others who don't want me in a leadership position, but nothing in the last 3 years would indicate that I am not qualified.
I believe I am high functioning autistic and some of my social interactions are not quite right. I do my best and survive but understand that that's a limitation.
I don't think it's appropriate that I am being asked to apply for a lower level position. I have not asked what would happen if I did not apply or if I applied and was rejected for the lower level position.