The biggest challenge of being a manager compared to a developer is this: Computers do what you tell them to, people do not. It's definitely a different skill

The biggest challenge of being a manager compared to a developer is this: Computers do what you tell them to, people do not. It's definitely a different skill set. Being an engineer is more fun from a day to day perspective. You get to sit down at your desk and build something. As a manager, you are in the middle of your boss's goals and trying to keep your direct reports happy. Those things don't always align. You'll need to improve your soft skills. Learn to manage conflict, learn to lead others, and learn to trust your direct reports to do their work without micromanaging. More on that here: https://www.climbuptheladder.com/how-to-be-a-great-manager/ https://www.climbuptheladder.com/how-to-be-a-great-manager/. But life as a manager isn't all bad. You get to learn more about the business. I find the most fulfilling part to be helping my direct reports improve their software skills (particularly the new hires from college).