In a previous posting, I wrote on the topic of Changing Jobs. The coverage there was more general; on the mechanics of PUSH vs PULL effects when considering job changes and other issues, which affect that important decision.

Here I want to focus on Managers (Development, Technical or other) who are feeling stifled, in their professional lives. Like the proverbial pyramid, with shrinking space as we move upwards – most middle level managers, after years of dedicated hard work making their companies successful, go through the same experience….. no upward mobility. Typically a middle manager has 10+ direct reports, is responsible for a specific functional area (piece of the larger puzzle), and has moved upwards from a technical lead to a technical manager. They are strong technically and generally well respected by their teams.

So what is the problem? Using the pyramid example, the upward mobility almost completely stalls for 80% of mid-level managers. There are multiple reasons, besides the obvious one, that it is crowded ‘up there’ and only a few can move up. The real reason is that not all good technical leads/managers have what it takes to rise to upper levels where people and business skills are more relevant than technical skills. Unless one clearly demonstrates such hands-on skills – your growth trajectory will be stalled. Reference my earlier blog on Technical Lead/Manager, for a detailed read. The PUSH mode typically kicks in for mid-level managers, who feel they are ‘stuck’ in their jobs. Therefore, if you find yourself in the position where your wheels are turning, but you are not moving – you have to:

  • Either re-train yourself to qualify for the manager-path growth, OR,
  • Move into another area in your organization, where growth opportunities exist, OR,
  • Look outside your organization and get a complete makeover, OR,
  • Dig in your heels, and focus on what you do best – professionally, making a difference.

There are no other options……

Changing Jobs for Individual Contributors and Technical Leads is relatively easy – as most organizations consider them as doers or the wheels that move the organization forward. In comparison, the mid-level manager is partially an overhead and cost of doing business. A mid-level manager’s productivity is a direct result of:

  • Their personal relationships with their team members, a result of the time they have invested in their teams
  • Their domain knowledge and skill set in their ‘functional areas’ of responsibility.

So changing jobs (even due to a PUSH effect) – is not easy for managers. A related comparison could be separation from a life partner and looking for another partner/relationship. Unfortunately, most mid-level managers caught in this whirlpool, experiencing the sinking feeling – do not have the courage to face up this challenge, and take care of themselves. After all, every job is just a JOB. You and your well-being should always supersede this fear/concern – particularly when you have reconciled that the wall ahead of you is indeed a solid brick wall and you cannot jump over it.

Changing jobs for a mid-level manager is like a big system RESET. Sure, there will be organizations, who want to leverage off your skill sets and experiences and offer you better offers. However, for you, the manager – you have to start from the location (0, 0) and build new relationships, navigate through new office politics and understand and learn existing legacy problems and issues….. before you can even make your mark and demonstrate your abilities.

While considering a job change, the most important thing you (mid-level manager) need to focus on – is clearly identifying your “transferable skills” ….. what you will bring to your new job on Day-1. These skills are domain independent and are general experience-acquired skills –internalized as you have done specific kinds of tasks and delivered challenging goals in your past lives. These will serve to ‘buoy’ you, as you slide out of your comfort zone into a brand new challenging environment.

I have personally moved as an Engineering Manager (at multiple levels) several times in my 30+ year’s career, and can assure you it is feasible and happens all the time. In most cases, new doors of opportunity will open up, your Circles of Life will extend to enrich you personally and professionally….. and soon, your past comfort zones will be a mere speck in your rear view mirror. You will move on….. and life goes on.