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Wondering what your thoughts are on making a move from a mid management position to one that is an individual contributor?
What factors (outside of pay) would would make you say yes or no to an opportunity like this?
I've seen people make this move for various reasons--to make a career change, for a lateral move into a different department, or simply because they were tired of being in management and wanted to get a role that allowed them to contribute more directly.
An HR manager colleague of mine moved into an individual contributor role of benefits specialist to get more specialized experience in a role that he wanted to move into. About 8 years ago I started a new job as a labor relations specialist vs. my prior role as an HR manager to specialize a bit more in an area that appealed to me.
It happens more than you think.
I would say "yes" if the job offered what you personally find important--benefits? Learning opportunities? Good work environment? Great boss? Advancement opportunities? It's different for everyone.
My factors are learning opportunities, ability to work independently, advancement opportunity, and an unstructured, casual environment.
Management sucks. Your success depends on other people. Who the hell wants that? Why would you want to depend on:
1. People that RESENT you
2. Lazy unskilled people that could care less about you?
3. Unmotivated workforce that is getting screwed over by the company and you have no control over it?
It makes much better sense to be in charge of your yourself. No one else.
All the managers Ive ever seen are stressed beyond their limits and work long hours and weekends.
I made that change when I left my former company, and increased my income as well. I am much happier with the autonomy, flexibility, and ability to specialize in my field. I don't miss it at all.
I made a similar move late last year. After about 18 years as a technician, I took an opportunity to become a service manager.
I did it for about a year and a half, and hated almost every minute of it. So, I left and went back to being a technician.
I have far less stress, I enjoy what I do again, I have a better home/work balance, and I make more money.
It's common in my field. There is not all that much difference in pay between manager and top level IC within the same company.
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