HACKER Q&A
📣 dungeroo

Need to decide between technical vs. managerial role, how?


After a longer stint as an AI tech lead, I've recently received two job offers. One role is a team lead position which is mostly managerial with a small component of hands-on technical work and the option to transition from tech into product dev at some point. The other one is a senior technical IC role (except for some mentoring), though a bit less senior than the other one. Both roles require the use of cutting-edge technology and I can see myself being happy and successful in either.

I'm currently thinking through which role is best for my career, short-term and longer-term. Because I enjoy both types of work and compensation is similar I'm struggling to identify a differentiator to make the decision easier. If anyone has found themselves at a similar crossroads or the benefit of hindsight or knows of decision-making frameworks that would be helpful, I'd really appreciate it.


  👤 chunk_waffle Accepted Answer ✓
> mostly managerial with a small component of hands-on technical work

I've been manager and an IC (currently IC)

The biggest concern I'd have for you in the manager role is that you're inheriting a team. I was lucky enough to have built a team from scratch once (by recruiting from within the company, and a few new hires) as well as inheriting a team once.

You never know what you're going to get by inheriting a team, they could be resistant to change. There could be one person who causes more harm than good but is very difficult to fire for some reason or another. They could also all be awesome. I would say, if you've not already done so to ask for the ability to meet with the team you'd be managing.


👤 amriksohata
Id always stay technical if you never plan to go higher than middle manager

👤 dustingetz
managers get laid off these days, i’d stay technical as long as possible and develop yourself assuming you are good at it