There is always an assumption by engineers (especially folks early in their careers) that management is somehow “easier” and therefore it’s an easy and a reason

There is always an assumption by engineers (especially folks early in their careers) that management is somehow “easier” and therefore it’s an easy and a reasonable career path for folks in engineering to have available to them should they choose it. It’s not easier, it’s simply different, and in many ways much more difficult. I have seen a lot of folks try and make the transition and ultimately either fail or spend a lot of time as terrible managers until they develop the skills to do it. Management of technical teams is not a one sided operation, it’s not us vs them. You are beholden to those you manage, as well as your leaders above you (actually, more so). Sometimes the motivations of those two groups can be seen to be in conflict. You have to be an effective advocate for both. The problem I have seen with many engineers who try to make that transition, is that they think they job is to be an advocate for their engineers they manage. They forget the other 50% of their job…which is the 50% that is actually the most important to their livelihood.