I work in IT and managed in this space several years except for the last 3. I moved to an individual contributor role 3 years ago after a new Director came in who brought his own manager in as well. The writing was on the wall that if I didn't, I may not have a job.
After 2 years of working for the manager and doing things to make our company more world class but not being recognized, I thought reporting to my peer, a senior manager, may be better. He was more technical and gave me the impression he recognized my contribution level.
After a year of working my ass off to single-handedly get our region out of using home folders, folder redirection and PST files into cloud based technologies (OneDrive, Exchange Online Online Archive) end-to-end as well as supporting and growing the KTLO staff, I thought I did really well. However, I did feel no one was taking the time to know the amount of work I was doing and let him know I felt like I was quietly quitting (disengaging) as a result just in December after our FIRST one-on-one that I asked for, this was his solution. Imagine telling your boss you don't feel seen and the next thing he does is put you on a PIP!
Add to this plot that when I moved under him, he found out I was making more than him since I lived in SoCal and he in Missouri.
Not sure what to do at this point, but I definitely will be seeking legal help.