The evolution from new faculty to department chair, through tenure and promotion, has been widely studied, yielding ideas for success. The move from department chair back to faculty status is less studied, with fewer insights in the literature. This article offers a brief review of literature related to becoming and stepping down from the role of department chair. Subsequently, the authors reflect on their own journeys from new faculty member to department chair, and from department chair to faculty status. Leadership lessons learned are provided for consideration.