Men who are managers, how do you like it?

5 comments

1. Every manager I’ve known have all hated it

2. Depends on what/who you’re managing, but I’ve generally enjoyed it. The work is a bit more meta than IC tracks, as you’re connecting people and paths, but technical skills still tend to get used heavily (depending on the specific role and org, of course).

   Many organizations have two tracks for most technical roles; towards managing people (manager, sr. manager, director, etc.), and towards managing tech (sr., staff, principle, distinguished, etc.). Some organizations offer hybrid roles as well.

3. Depends on why you get into management and what your superiors expect out of you as a manager.

   I’d say you’ll probably hate it if you enjoy your current role but are only moving up because there’s nowhere else to go. If it’s a financial incentive, then you may not enjoy the workload and stress, but the money you’ll be making may be enough to put up with those frustrations.

   Similarly, find out what your superiors want a manager to do. Are they expecting you to increase productivity or profits? Personally I enjoy the pressure that follows being the go to person and I like educating my team to make them sharper at what they do and I have always had leadership qualities where I can get ya team working towards a common goal.

4. In some companies it’s way better to be a manager than an individual contributor. Of course, it can be the opposite in some.

   In the US at least, people generally view advancement as moving up the ladder in terms of managerial ranks and usually it also comes with higher pay. But decide what works best for you–if you are really happy as an individual contributor, then I’d keep it that way.

5. It depends on whether the role is managing or leading. I’ve done both. Managing sucks; leading is awesome.