Took me a couple of years to recover. Moved down a level of course. Spent a lot of time bemoaning my fate but eventually recognised that my reputation could exceed that of my institution. These days, I even get "why are you still at (institution)" once in awhile.
The biggest shock was the quick exclusion - from the seminar circuit, conference keynotes, etc. all of which seem reserved for high-status players. I get it; if you announce that your speaker is from a crappy uni like mine, fewer people show up.
What bothers me most though is how much harder it is to get research funding. Even with a couple of internal awards my budget is lower than it used to be at a "top" institution. Worse, the foundations are status chasers like you've never seen.
On the bright side, I don't mind being left alone to focus on my research. I have enough HRM collaborators from my early career that my work still places OK, even if I am more of a backstage player.
Do I still work hard? Sure, maybe harder than I did as an AP. Why not kick back and just enjoy the tenured 2-2 life? Dunno, maybe deep inside I'm still trying to prove something...if only to myself.
Thanks for listening, despite the pathological verbosity.