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You may consider switching to an architect track. An architect is still considered an IC in that one does not _manage_ people. But one still is a leader and a "
by bad_username 4y ago
You may consider switching to an architect track. An architect is still considered an IC in that one does not _manage_ people. But one still is a leader and a "multiplier" of value, because the designs enable multiple engineers to build large solutions. Architects solve technical problems, and often are expected to code the initial or the most important parts of their solutions. This role is sometimes called "staff engineer" or "principal engineer".
I jumped from senior management track to architect track. Moreover, I consciously used the stint in management as a "trampoline" to a senior architect position, which helped both politically and in terms of the crucial soft /business skills I had acquired. This may or may not be a viable path, depending on a company.
- zaphirplane 4y agoHow does a Senior manager maintain the technical skills to be an architect. I guess companies come in all shapes
- lightbendover 4y agoI managed to at a BigTech, it involved (1) a lot of hours, (2) seeing everything built from the ground up and thus knowing how it all fit together (the real short-cut way to appear 10x), and (3) remaining very hands-on with design at times, perhaps selfishly, to the chagrin of the engineers. Lost 90% of my ability/will to code, but my architecture ability remained exemplary compared to the IC engineers.
- stcroixx 4y agoOP misses coding and often architects do very little coding.
- gardenhedge 4y agoAn architect position will have OP spending most of their time in meetings rather than coding. It is also a funny position because your manager can literally get you to do anything. It's not really a fully defined role.
- harshalizee 4y agoI'm not really sure. The really good principal engineers that I've worked with were incredibly technical and churned out a lot of code while also sitting thru a lot of meetings. I've never seen anyone in that role who came from being a manager
- tooltitude 4y agoArchitect roles are great if they give you architectural problems to solve. It wouldn't be so great if it's just a manager without managers' power.