Fork in the Career Road

[Flubber]

In a way I am in a similar dilemma as I am seconded from the legal team to lead a contracts group. So far I enjoy managing but my crunch decision time may come in about a year. The project I am on is being sold and my understanding is that "key people" (myself included) are being offered up a specified period as part of the deal. In theory I would retain my job back at my employer and go back to it. In practice, it could mean an offer from the purchaser at some time (or not depending if they want me to stay). The sale hasn't happened yet (apparently there are several bidders) but I will be curious as to how it goes.

For me the lead versus tech or skill was an easy call. I have been a lawyer for 18 years and while it still presents challenges, I wanted something new and I will pursue this for as long as it is fun to do. (It was fun to show my 7 year old pictures of the helicopter I ride-- he thought that was 'really awesome"

Asher on your end you need to keep in mind that no decision here forecloses the other option. You have to ask yourself how much interest you have in managing and how good you think you might be at it as practical questions. Both sound good.

I took a management training course and one of the presentations was about things that were a person's "strengths". In it they didn't talk at all about skills or what others thought you excelled at. Instead a strength was something that enlivens and invigorates you-- something you feel good doing-- My advice would be to take the thing your think you would enjoy most-- Forget your direct manager or your upper management-- If you choose something that makes you think of work as a pretty fun place instead of a painful task, you are quite likely to excell and even better opportunities will arise.

Sorry to seem so "touchy-feely"-- its all that da** management training LOL---

[Flubber]

Believe it or not, my leadership and interpersonal skills are what made my stand out for this role, according to my manager. I'm friendly, helpful, and outgoing in a sea of ESL introverts.

LOL

I suspected you might be just a LITTLE more patient and tactful than you present on this board

[Flubber]

I see the Tech lead is garnering favor in the face of a non-compete. It is definitely the "safer" choice in many respects but the non-compete is likely to be an issue if you want to go on your own in any event. Many are too restrictive to actually be completely enforceable but even a (likely completely enforceable) ban on soliciting or accepting work from your employer's clients for a couple of years might make your own shop very difficult.

[Asher]

To be clear, I've already signed a non-compete. The difference is the nature of the work of R&D would make it more restrictive, because I'd be doing far more things which widens the scope of it.

[Asher]

LOL

I suspected you might be just a LITTLE more patient and tactful than you present on this board

I use up all of my patience in the real world. I've none left by the time I come here.

For years I worked at a retirement home. I have patience when I need to.

[Flubber]

To be clear, I've already signed a non-compete. The difference is the nature of the work of R&D would make it more restrictive, because I'd be doing far more things which widens the scope of it.

yes I understood that --

[Asher]

On the other hand, more room for patents in R&D and the sizable bonus cheques that go with them...

[SlowwHand]

Tech Lead

[loinburger]

Most of the competent tech people I know who went into management wish they'd stayed out of management

[BlackCat]

The personal relationships aside, it msotly depend on your future carrer wishes. Number one is the way to go if you want to end up as CEO at Apple og MS. Number 2 is the choice if you want your hands soaked in the tech. If you only go for mid management, both are roads, though #2 could be a pitfall if you become too specialized.

Yeah, I know that you probably are quite aware of this, but then, your question is a bit stupid since none of us know what you dream about doing 20 years ahead

[dannubis]

Tech lead.

[Asher]

Indeed, I have decided. Tech Lead.

[rah]

Good for you. You've already proved you could do the other and you can always go back if you have to. Tech lead is a good new feather in your bonnet. You'll get more visability and get a chance to high light different abilities (ones that will probably get paid more for down the road)

Congrats.

[Asher]

Thanks rah

[rah]

Early in my career a similar decision was always out there. The old joke was, if it's Tuesday I must want to be a manager. If it's Wednesday, I just want to be a tech again.
Fortunately now, I've got the best of both worlds. I'm an IT Director that gets the money, but I still get to spend 40% of my time developing. (researching new methodologies or just playing in the data mud)