Occasionally, tech managers discover that managing people isn't the right fit, so they consider returning to an individual contributor (IC) role. In fact, evidence suggests that managers returning to IC roles (and back again) is becoming more common, particularly in tech.
Making a big decision like moving back to an IC role often brings about self-questioning and doubts about whether it's the "right move."
To help you make an informed choice, we asked two former managers who made the switch back to IC what they learned in the process. Here are six key things they say managers should know and consider before making the move.
Summary
The Career Impact
When considering the impact on your career, it's important to think about your company’s culture and structure, including how roles, responsibilities, and compensation are determined, explained six-time transitioner Philip Su, author of Molochinations and host of the “Peak Salvation” podcast.
In some companies, ICs and managers are on parallel career tracks with equivalent levels of seniority and compensation. But if ICs are always junior to managers, you may have to switch companies to advance your career—especially when internal opportunities for growth are limited.
Think about whether your move would be considered a step backward in your company and the implications of that, Su added.
That said, if the CTO really needs you to step back and forth between a manager and IC role, it may be possible to negotiate the terms, allowing you to keep your previous level and pay. For instance, some companies have site leads or other positions that involve overseeing the day-to-day operations of a specific location or project without directly managing staff.
Anticipating how your career move fits into the company structure is crucial for achieving both personal and professional success. Be prepared to define a nontraditional career path and explain your decisions to change roles in job interviews.
Are You a Little Rusty?
Realistically, it may take some time to regain your former skills and productivity if you've been away from coding for a while.
If senior management needs someone to hit the ground running, it might not be the right role for you, warned Vijay Duraiswamy, principal technical program manager for a major retailer.
“It’s best to be vulnerable about it,” Duraiswamy said. Let your new manager and teammates know that you will be setting realistic goals and tracking your progress. Most importantly, be kind to yourself as you strive to regain your old form.
Will You Be Returning to the Team You Managed?
Going back to being an IC on the same team you previously led can be a complex undertaking that comes with a new set of dynamics.
Your former reports may struggle to adapt to the new situation unless you have an open dialogue with them before your return and pre-negotiate the terms. To reestablish social trust, share information openly and be upfront about your intentions and actions while letting your teammates voice their concerns.
In some cases, it may be better to transition to a different team.
Are You Willing to Make a Conscious Effort to Network?
If you want to spend less time in meetings and have more control over your daily schedule, switching back to an IC role might be the right move for you. However, managers are directly involved with the company’s operations and need to interact with internal and external stakeholders to achieve business success.
As an IC, you may have fewer networking opportunities compared to those in managerial roles, Su pointed out. To avoid hurting your career, you will need to make a conscious effort to build mutually beneficial relationships with other professionals in your field and beyond.
Are You Committed to Maintaining Your Managerial Skills?
Interestingly, shifting back to an IC role does not necessarily mean losing your leadership abilities, Duraiswamy said. In fact, you should strive to keep them sharp and even add new soft skills to your repertoire.
Continue to share information with your team, coach and mentor junior colleagues, and help steer projects to success. Your managerial experience gives you a deeper understanding of team dynamics and project complexities. Leverage this experience to offer valuable insights and contribute to important decisions—without needing a managerial title.
How Will You Handle a New Boss?
Are you willing to adapt and work with a manager who approaches tasks and situations differently than you did?
This shift requires adjusting to a separate set of expectations and the possibility of different outcomes—or even disappointment.
You’ll need to go back to scheduling regular updates and keeping your manager informed about your tasks, progress, and roadblocks.
You may also feel disappointed if your new manager doesn't meet your expectations, especially if you believe they are less effective than you were.
You can certainly offer support or occasional opinions without overstepping your boundaries. However, you will need to find the right balance between being a supportive team member and letting your boss navigate their role, including their successes and failures.
It can be challenging to let go of the activities and decisions you once controlled, but it's a necessary step if you want to return to an IC role and thrive.
