I wanted to understand from other engineering managers on this. So here are a few questions:
Have you ever worked as an IC being an engineering manager, especially after spending a few years in the managerial role? If yes, how hard was it to transition?
Did you enjoy going back to writing code on daily basis?
Or did you feel IC is not your forte anymore?
Did it concern you about the growth?
My first 2 years of managing was hands on, probably 50% coding. I had a small scope and the energy to do people things while also doing coding things. What I found was that this doesn't scale and that if I ever wanted to lead larger initiatives and have a bigger impact, I'd need to give up coding. During this period, I burnt out trying to grow both technically and managerially. The context switching required of me was too much.
When I got to a position where I could do people management 100% of the time, it was transformative. In the same way we think about coding - what skills do I need to develop, how can I optimize XYZ, is there a better pattern for this, etc - I now started to think about management. Part of this is that I joined an org that truly valued management and was able to be mentored and allowed to develop my skills.
Now as a director, I insist that my new managers don't code. There is a period of time where you need to focus on management and nothing else. Later on, I don't care if you want to get into the code, but at that point, no one chooses to.
It does seem like the industry is split on where a manager title exists and if you're hands on. Regardless of which way you go, you'll find career growth imo. I would consider if you feel like you're being the best manager you can be though.
I think it's pretty common. And not particularly penalized.
I was a manager for 5 years and am now building my own company. I do way more coding than as a manager but I also do everything else.
If I were to go back to full time employment I think it would be easy to go back as an IC or as a manager depending on what I wanted and how I spin my time.
Basically, you always have a story and always have control of how you tell it. So as long as you're average or above average as an employee you'll always have options.