I have been working in IT for 25 years now. Its been a rewarding career just not always as lucrative as I would have liked. Transitioning to management I do not get that same reward. There are perks and the money is nice but end of the day I have always been an engineer. I do enjoy working with the team and passing on what knowledge I have gathered in those 25 years. But some days its just not the same. My management want me to start taking a broader role in the organization. But 100% that will be the end of my technical support role and will move me into managing the technicians that now fill those roles and appoint leads to fill my current role. Its a great opportunity, I do enjoy the work but I miss getting my hands dirty and fixing things.
I'm already 80% in the role now, not much of a path back to where I was.
I know some of you have had to make the same choice, just looking for some like minded people and perhaps some positive feedback.
I'm actively trying to avoid it, been offered twice now. I've noticed at least where I work, great engineers make terrible managers. If you have to take the management path, make sure it's where you can continue to move up the corporate ladder making more and more money to make the frustration worth it.
I am in a similar situation. I have been coding for nearly 20 years. I have a lot of institutional knowledge and do my job well. My managers want me to move into management. I know that if I do I will a few hundred more a month but I will never be able to touch code again. I don't want to do that. I get a lot of satisfaction from making things that work and are easy to maintain.
Thank you! When I first started as a supervisor it was a working position, I still got involved in the day to day work and first hand mentoring of jr people on the team. I enjoyed that the most. But evolution is a real thing and now I'm a manager and instead of managing IT equipment I now manage IT people. Its a lot harder to turn them off and back on. The role requires a lot of trust unless you plan on sitting on your team, I do not manage that way. It would be nice to have a good nest egg when I am ready to retire.
Look at the plus side. Your role changes from the "what" [provide support] to be able to influence "how" support is delivered in a more efficient manner. You can influence the and select tools and methods used. Try to not look at it as managing people but partnering with them on how to make the techs work life better.
If, the Peter Principle ever comes into effect, you'll wish you had stayed where you were. But, while working that direction, one can benefit from the economics. This is obviously a decision one has to make based on their individual goals.
Having been in management most of my career, I can only say there were good times and bad times. One thing to remember is, if there's ever a leaning of the workforce, the workers will normally be last on the list to go. Mid-Level and higher are frequently the first to go.
just looking for some like minded people and perhaps some positive feedback
There's a reason there is always a shortage of 'managers,' especially 'junior or assistant managers' and it isn't because they all climb the corporate ladder into middle or upper management leaving vacant spots behind. You already know, that Anyone can be a manager. If a little more $$ is all you want to get out of the deal, then there's probably more wrong than what $$ can buy.
There's a reason there is always a shortage of 'managers,' especially 'junior or assistant managers' and it isn't because they all climb the corporate ladder into middle or upper management leaving vacant spots behind. You already know, that Anyone can be a manager. If a little more $$ is all you want to get out of the deal, then there's probably more wrong than what $$ can buy.
We have been through some managers. That is a fact I am very aware of
I think that you need to really think about yourself - your career thus far, how you currently spend your workweek, your current pros and cons... and ideally, how you want to spend the majority of your workweek moving forward?
I have turned down several opportunities over the years due to the culture or ethics of the company.
Would being a Manager (or being "in Management" make you happy(at at least "content")? Do you feel anything 'negative' when thinking about being one?
There was one point where I considered it, but the upper management folks did not like any of the ideas I had, so I would just be frustrated middle manager.
As AI advances, there's less need for managers.
Unless my salary doubled, I wouldn't want to leave where I am, because my life would not change much.
Even though there are some things I rarely do on a regular basis (Image machines, build rigs, etc.) I still do them SOMETIMES. I don't enjoy managing others, unless I get to set the rules - like " you work a 4 day workweek, but you get paid for 5, as long as everyone pulls their weight on the 4 days they are working". That's not that mind-blowing of a concept.
I spend 40-50 hours a week working, and about 10 hours commuting. If I didn't 'enjoy' it, or at least be able to "do my side stuff", I wouldn't do it.
We have bills. Extra ones due to 'reasons'. I'd do side gigs if I had the energy. But my day job is ok, I am respected and treated well and have some friends and such.
This is obviously a decision one has to make based on their individual goals.
One thing to remember is, if there's ever a leaning of the workforce, the workers will normally be last on the list to go. Mid-Level and higher are frequently the first to go.
Rams
I have watched 8 sets of managers get fired during my career at different places. I have watched 3 sets of support staff get let go. see whole departments get the boot. Was laid off twice due to the whole company folding or downsizing. but mostly, I've seen groups/teams of managers get let go when there is a merger...
Through my career, I have bounced back and forth between engineering and management.
The management side has provided the $$$, but in some of the roles I wasn't allowed to scratch my engineering itch. This is why my Fiero hobby grew to the point of becoming a hobby business. It was my creative outlet when my day job wasn't intellectually challenging.
I am currently back in an Engineering Manager role and while I have several engineers reporting to me, I also take on some projects myself because I enjoy the work. It is nice being able to pick and choose which projects to focus on vs. which ones to delegate and support.
So basically, I followed the money, but still needed my engineering outlet. Sometimes that was accomplished through work, sometimes it was accomplished outside of my day job.
I have been working in IT for 25 years now. Its been a rewarding career just not always as lucrative as I would have liked. Transitioning to management I do not get that same reward. There are perks and the money is nice but end of the day I have always been an engineer. I do enjoy working with the team and passing on what knowledge I have gathered in those 25 years. But some days its just not the same. My management want me to start taking a broader role in the organization. But 100% that will be the end of my technical support role and will move me into managing the technicians that now fill those roles and appoint leads to fill my current role. Its a great opportunity, I do enjoy the work but I miss getting my hands dirty and fixing things.
I'm already 80% in the role now, not much of a path back to where I was.
I know some of you have had to make the same choice, just looking for some like minded people and perhaps some positive feedback.
I made that leap a few years ago already. You CAN go back, it just takes significantly more effort to do so since you end up behind the technical curve. As a manager, you're able to rely on the experience you've gained from all those years... but if you don't make a concerted effort on your own time to keep pace with the latest and greatest, your technical knowledge will get stale.
But, there's nothing wrong with it... another member on here once told me...
"Would you rather be Todd that tries to do everything, or would you rather manage a bunch of Todds and help guide them to successfully do more than you can by yourself?"
I obviously don't look at my employees as Todds, haha... but it was a good point.
We have been through some managers. That is a fact I am very aware of
As I said previously, I've spent most of my career in management after leaving the military. I've seen the biggest turnover in lower and middle management although, I never worked in any AI or Computer Tech positions. When dollars are in short supply, senior managers generally look to where they can save money and then normally turn to reducing the lower management first followed by middle management while promoting others at lower paying salaries and then spreading the load of 5 or 6 positions to 3 lower new managers. Have seen it several times. Luckily, I survive all but one of those cost saving moves.
If I really wanted more money, then I'd shop my skills and services out to other opportunities. But, I'll say this, the happiest I ever was in a job was when I was in charge. I liked being the person responsible for failure or success. 99% of the time it was success. Not everyone is cut out to be "in charge" and not all managers can relate to what it's like not being in charge. I've filled both positions.
My recommendation is, do what's best for your family. Seems like that always worked best for me.
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 11-22-2024).]
I have never been in any sort of management/supervisory position. Never really wanted to. I enjoy my "hands on / nuts 'n' bolts" work. I like to solve technical problems and fix stuff. I even moved out of some tech roles because everything was scripted. It was automated and dumbed down to the point that I didn't even have to think. Got boring, really quickly. It's why I left desktop support and went back to telecom.
In my last job (basically a NOC, on steroids) we did everything - mostly by remote control. Transport - basically fiber optics, telecom, SCADA and smart-metering, and other circuit stuff; Network - routers and switches, etc; Systems - Windows and Unix servers; and Mainframe. If we couldn't fix it remotely, we would open a ticket and send it to the appropriate group.
We used to kid our team leads, and especially the supervisors, that they had "sh!t magnet" jobs. (They got to deal with all the flack, when something big broke.) It was pretty thankless work, even though it was 1-2 pay grades above where we "worker drones" were. People usually used those jobs for stepping stones to other positions, outside our group.
If you make the upgrade, can you back out gracefully? That's an unusual request to make of the guy promoting you. BUT, if it doesn't work out, from your perspective or his, can you go back where you came from? Or is The Door the only exit?
How will this look from a retirement planning perspective? A lot of the guys here, myself most of all, won't be working much longer. What will this job do to your retirement savings? SSI income rating? If you don't like the work, can you stick it out for the money? Five years you can do. Twenty years? Not so much.
Will you have the authority to do what you deem best in this management role? Or will you be restricted by corporate policy, upper management, or budgets? You may have great ideas for Your Department and Your People, but if you can't DO any of them, and just spend the days shuffling paper and babysitting workers, you'll be miserable.
If The Worst happens, and you don't work out in the new position, or aren't deemed a "Team Player" any longer in your old one, what's the job market in your area? Some times, the best job is with another company.
For the record. I have been a supervisor twice at other jobs. Lead technician and team lead as well. My current organization I joined as a SR Supervisor then they screwed us on our job titles. Long story not the point.
So when I was offered a supervisor position I was told that it would be a working position and I would more or less be managing 12 techs. All well and good, it was the best of a situation that could go very wrong. But at least I wasn't facing pay cuts. Then I started to see the back end of things, but I thought I could help make things better and did my best. That worked for a while, there were a few growing pains as I had the time to address some issue. Some of the team did not like that. Its ok everyone hates the boss.
Then I was told that they were doing away with the supervisor position and I was being promoted to manager but nothing else would change. First red flag. Then I had to put someone on an improvement program. 3 times but that's also another story. So it was challenging. Dealing with adults that act like children.
At the end of last year I lost 2 people one retired and one had to resign due to an illness. Then in January the RIF happened, the person that had performance issues was let go. They wanted to let one more go but I talked them out of it. So down to 9 people. Still have a couple of techs that need to do better but ok we can work on it. Let them know that they need to improve ticket metrics. Pay more attention to SLA and lets not give management a reason to reduce the team even more.
Then then our director was fired, bolt of lightning kind of let go. This shook the team as most of them had worked for the director for years. But they must have been planning this as they already had a new director ready to step in. Second red flag Then the Sr Manager I reported to gave his notice and I was left as the only stop between the bull **** that always comes down from the top. Third red flag I was reassigned to report to a new Sr Manager, ok good with that. The first week he threatened to fire everyone on the team and replace them. I yelled back, we yelled some more and came to an understanding. I thought everything was good. Forth red flag?
Seems some of the team see this as an opportunity. We are already planning on getting rid of one more of the team due to performance and I assume at some point I will have to update my resume. Manager does look nice on a resume so there is that. **** you and have a nice day.
Start looking for a new job now, that company is going down in flames.
Verbal promises that never materialize 'promotions' with increases in title and doubling workload, and no increase in pay Firings that are not backfilled, forcing the remaining workers to work harder to take up the slack KPI's (key performance indicators) being increased under more stressful conditions Director fired to serve as an 'example' and instill fear New manager installed to further the fear and increase productivity
Your best performers are going to leave because they're sick of the crap, leaving you in even worse shape, also likely not to be replaced.
I guarantee you in January, the head honcho is pulling up in **insert new sports car here** or some other showy form of spending.
Evil is the new normal. Hopefully Brian Thompson's death is the first of many.
Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: I was reassigned to report to a new Sr Manager, ok good with that. The first week he threatened to fire everyone on the team and replace them. I yelled back, we yelled some more and came to an understanding. I thought everything was good. Forth red flag?
I am proud of you. I once had a new manager whose manager had him tell us we would not be able to take our days off for a short time. I yelled better than he could because I had better ground to argue upon. I told him being a manager works both ways. He also needs to take our opinions to upper management.
Usually a promotion results in about 30% more work for 15% more pay.
I too am getting sick and tired of my job as well. I'm tired of driving 35 mins to work, sitting in a box, moving pixels on a screen, then driving 35 mins home.
Thinking about joining the Air Force, Coast Guard, or maybe the Border Patrol. I need some excitement back in my life again.
Well they keep promoting me, is that a good thing I enjoy working with the team and helping people. I still work on the fix **** when its broke side of the Role so I'm happy enough. Cut backs are hard, 2 years ago I had 14 people now I have 6. The worst part is delivering bad news. One of our long time employees has a lot of health issues, its not going well at all and I have to deliver some bad news to the team. End of the day today will be rough. All I will say is keep up with those you care about while you can.
Usually a promotion results in about 30% more work for 15% more pay.
I too am getting sick and tired of my job as well. I'm tired of driving 35 mins to work, sitting in a box, moving pixels on a screen, then driving 35 mins home.
Thinking about joining the Air Force, Coast Guard, or maybe the Border Patrol. I need some excitement back in my life again.
As someone that has been there myself long long ago, let me explain something to you my Brother...
You've been to the mountaintop. The line from the movie says it pretty clearly. "These are great days we're living bros. We're jolly green giants walkng the Earth, with guns' .
Being One of the Few, the Proud does have a downside. The change is forever. You may achieve a lot going forward, yet still in your young life and I sincerely hope you do, but you will never ever again quite have what you did. Much of that, will remain with you forever but trying to find it again in totality is a lesson in futility.
Truth be told, I miss practicing geometry and math using a hammer and fire. Gone are the days when a gentle tap from a 3 pounder makes everything work better. Hitting a computer with the 3 pounder is satisfying but its short lived.
I will tell you my "Work" story; After the Navy, and then 6 months at Atari, I started working at NARF Alameda- Aircraft rework, mainly S-3s but also A-6s, and once a P-3...Absolutely hated the job- Bosses just yelling at us, shortages of parts, etc...Could not ever tell the bosses if there was a problem "Shut up and do your job- don't wanna hear of about any problems!!!"
Around 1990, the Navy decided to implement the TQM process (Total Quality Management- the quality system an AMERICAN had taught the Japanese!)...Basically, it is a negative feed-back system- the bosses should look at their employees as Eyes and Ears on the line.
Within 6 months everything changed- I actually started enjoying the job, and we were putting out >>Zero-Defect<< aircraft (First Aircraft line in history to do this)..
Then, I was up for a pay raise, to Work-Leader....
And then I bought a house....
They heard about all of this back in DC, and so "We can't let him have all of that- lets shut the base down!!!"
So, the rest is history...(After, I was able to get picked up at Coast Guard Airstation SFO as a Hazmat/Fuel tester/Parts chaser- I complained about the job EVERY DAY- so they did not close that base!
1976, My first "real" job was for an electronics company called DENRO Labs. Worked on a production line assembling components and soldering, building air traffic control products used the the FAA & the military. Started working while I was in 12th grade, I had enough school credits that let me take one class, then go to work for the rest of the day. Work there for 3 years.
1979, My second job was with Fairchild Space & electronics, I worked on the production line for the A10 Warthog airplane. We built various electronics parts.. I was promoted to the production control department supporting the A10 production line. Worked there 5 years. (Got married while working there.)
1984, I changed professions, worked in IT, company called CACI. Worked as a computer operator, then was promoted to a programmer to the accounting department. I made very good money with all the overtime.The company installed a watts line and a dumb terminal at my house (this was before the internet existed) The line was so I could be on call 24 / 7 supported the company which had offices across the US & over seas. I would create & run many programs that would provide various reports need by the accountants Worked there 5 years
Moved to FL in 1998
Started working for RadioShack as a sales person. I found it easy to sell products to customers, I was very familiar with the product line, as I spent a lot of time in Radioshack when I was a kid. I was promoted to assistant manager after two years, then was promoted to my own store as a manager. I was very successful, had many great guys working with me. I had one promoted to his own store. I was with "The Shack" for 18 years.
2017, started working at Walgreens as a lead. I soon found I liked working in the pharmacy, I took all the training an became a licensed pharmacy tech. The pay is good, the customers - for the most part are okay, we do get some grumpy ones. It's funny, I do have some customers that remember me from the Radioshack days.
July of 2024, I started taking SS, and I'm still working at Walgreens. I'm making more per month with the SS check than my Walgreens check. When I decide to stop working, I'll be okay
Over the years I invested, I made a nice nest egg, I was able to buy my home outright, so my only expenses are food & insurance for house & cars. (and whatever toys I buy) I have health insurance through work.
[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 06-21-2025).]
One of the down sides of being a manager is dealing with people. It's not all negative but when it hits, it can hit hard.
When I joined the team we had a team lead, Doug. Nice guy, well mannered and stayed calm during crisis. As we got busy he was put back into the on call rotation and had to start working on tickets. He did great at on call but sucked at doing day to day tickets. Just couldn't get started each morning. So when I was made manager I started having morning chats with Doug. He had a lot of experience, but just couldn't get started. We worked on this and he shared some medical challenges with me that explained a lot. But he was making progress, even went back to his doctor and got put on different medication. Doug started working on more tickets and was making progress. Got new glasses so he could see better. Putting in the work, I give him all the credit for this, all I did was provide an ear and kind word. Being on the opposite sides of the country we didn't get much of a chance to talk but we chatted each morning.
Now you may ask why would I share that, there doesn't seem to be a down side.
End of last year Doug got sick, won't get into it but it was bad. He went to the hospital for 2 weeks. Got released and was home for 2 days before going back to the hospital. I did get to chat with him but we missed our chance at an actual phone call. Couple of days later Doug's wife Bobbie called me, Doug was in ICU and on a ventilator and they were going to put him in a coma to let his body fight the infection. Things went how you would expect for the next couple of months, he wasn't losing ground but he wasn't getting better. I got to know Bobbie through text message of Doug's progress and supported her by helping communicate with HR and benefits. I helped with the paperwork to protect his benefits and hopefully hold on to his job until he could come back. Around April Doug started making some good progress, they moved him to a regular room and started looking for a long term rehab facility. He even went outside for a couple of hours. Things were looking up. Bobbie kept us updated as best she could, making progress, still looking for long term rehab hospital that could make room for Doug. 3 weeks ago Doug had a setback and was back in the ICU and back on the respirator.
Last thursday Bobbie called me, she was crying and upset. The doctors had done all they could and she had to make a decision that none of us should have to make. Doug was going to be removed from life support. I shared this with some of the people at work that were close to Doug and my Sr. Manager and Director. Also the HR person who was always there to answer my questions. We were all hoping for a miracle. Bobbie texted me late thursday night that Doug had passed. Friday I got to break the news to the team. We shared our stories about Doug and said our goodbyes.
Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: One of the down sides of being a manager is dealing with people. It's not all negative but when it hits, it can hit hard.
I can feel the sadness. For the family, his friends, his co-workers, and you. My condolences to all.
I think we all know a "Doug". I know a few, co-workers and friends. Family also. My Grandson Trey. Trey because he was named after his father, who was named after his grandfather.
Life is fragile. The reward for getting old, watching those around you pass on. RIP
I have often used PFF as a place to put things out there, its good therapy. Regardless on our differences the Fiero community has always been supportive. Thank you for being here.
I look at it this way. They are going to get what they want out of you, or do one of two things. Make your work life a living hell or send you packing when they can. I'd take the leap. It adds to youe skills set if the day comes that you are let go. I fought moving up, as I'm not much of a yes man. They've actively made my work life hell . If I wasn't so close to retirement I'd be job hunting. It isn't that I'd hate the new role, it is more of having to bite my togue and smile and agree with stupid b/s crap. While saying yes to all the stupid ideas knowing full well in a few months the data will show it was the wrong move. They don't respect those that say, I told ya so. They also don't want to hear that their idea is crap. If I took the role, I'd have to be someone I'm not. So, I past on it 6 times. They have made the day to day hell, but I've learned to not let it get to me and just do the needed projects and leave the crap at the door when I leave for the day. That was the hardest part at first. Leaving the drama, the daily hell at work and not taking it home with me. Good luck with whatever you decide. Brush up that resume if you decline it ,in case they make life hell.
