Transition to Eng. Manager - a rocky start (advice request)
Transition to Engineering Manager: A Rocky Start
Making the leap from a technical role to a management position can be daunting, especially when your previous experience has been so fulfilling. Recently, a reader shared their journey transitioning from a Senior Front-end Engineer to an Engineering Manager at a large company. After a month in their new role, they expressed feelings of boredom and envy toward their development team, which is a sentiment that many in similar situations can resonate with. In this blog post, we’ll explore the challenges of this transition and offer advice for navigating the rocky start.
The Allure of Management
For many engineers, the idea of moving into management can feel like a natural progression in their career. After years of honing technical skills and contributing to projects, the thought of leading a team, making architectural decisions, and influencing the direction of a project can be exciting. However, it’s essential to consider whether this path aligns with your passions and career goals.
Our reader’s motivations for transitioning included a desire to move up the career ladder and the prospect of a salary increase. While these are valid reasons, taking on a management role simply because it seems like the next step can lead to disappointment if the responsibilities don’t align with your interests.
The Reality of Management
Transitioning to a management role often comes with a shift in focus from technical challenges to organizational and interpersonal dynamics. As one commenter pointed out, “Management is less exciting than developing; the problems you need to solve are not technical but organizational.” This can include navigating company politics, dealing with various systems and gatekeepers, and addressing team dynamics.
For our reader, the initial excitement of their new position quickly turned into a sense of dissatisfaction due to the overwhelming number of meetings and bureaucratic hurdles. It’s not uncommon for new managers to feel this way, especially in large organizations where processes can be cumbersome.
Finding Satisfaction in New Accomplishments
One of the significant challenges of transitioning to management is adjusting to a new definition of success. As an individual contributor (IC), achievements are often clear-cut and tangible—completing a project, writing code, or resolving a bug. In contrast, the fruits of a manager’s labor are often less visible and can take weeks or months to materialize.
A key point made in the comments is that the satisfaction in management comes from enabling others to succeed: “You are doing the dull things so the rest of your team doesn’t have to.” By removing obstacles and facilitating your team’s progress, you are contributing to their success, which is an accomplishment in its own right. Learning to take pride in these achievements, even if they are less flashy than coding, can help ease the transition.
Reflecting on Your Career Path
If you find yourself grappling with whether management is the right choice for you, it’s crucial to reflect on your long-term career aspirations. A couple of commenters cautioned that moving into management too early could hinder your ability to return to an IC role in the future. Skills can become stale, and the focus shifts away from technical growth.
At 34, our reader is at an age where they have ample time to explore various paths, but it’s essential to recognize whether management aligns with their interests. If the organizational challenges of being an Engineering Manager feel unfulfilling, it may be worth considering a return to a more technical role or seeking opportunities that allow for a hybrid approach.
Navigating the Transition
Here are a few strategies to help ease the transition into management and find fulfillment in your new role:
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Set Clear Goals: Establish what success looks like for you as a manager. This could include team performance metrics, individual development goals for team members, or improving team morale.
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Embrace the Change: Recognize that your role has shifted and be open to learning. Seek mentorship from experienced managers who can offer guidance on navigating the new landscape.
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Celebrate Team Successes: Make it a point to acknowledge the achievements of your team, both big and small. This can reinforce your sense of purpose and help you see the value in your contributions.
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Stay Connected to Technical Work: If possible, carve out time in your schedule to remain involved in technical projects or coding. This can keep your skills sharp and provide the satisfaction of hands-on work.
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Evaluate Your Fit: Periodically assess whether management aligns with your career goals. If it feels like a poor fit, consider exploring opportunities that will allow you to leverage your strengths as a developer.
Conclusion
The transition to an Engineering Manager role can be challenging, and it’s not uncommon to feel a sense of loss for the hands-on work of development. However, with time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt, you can find new sources of satisfaction in your career. Whether you choose to embrace management fully or pivot back to an IC role, the journey is all about aligning your work with your passions and goals