Anyone else have no desire to get to manager level or beyond? I’m 32 and I feel like most people want to continue moving up but I prefer to be an individual contributor and not sure I’m cut out to be a manager. Not completely ruling it out but it’s not a “goal” of mine that I’m actively working towards. However, now I’m wondering what my goal actually is. Is this it for the rest of my career? At a loss and wondering if anyone has helpful insight or experience going through something similar.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

To add on, a part of me thinks this is mostly due to my personality. I’m an introvert, more shy, reserved, etc. I don’t have any issues working with others and as a team but definitely prefer autonomy. I’ve also been able to “play the game” in consulting but found it exhausting and draining.

like

Isnt this one of the reasons many firms have specialist tracts?

like

Probably. I’m no longer at a larger firm so my options are much more limited where I currently am. Something to keep in mind though if I get to that point and want to pivot

I’m kind of in the same boat. i was recently promoted to the manager level and now i'm wondering what's next. I’m 34, I surely can’t stay here until retirement. I just don’t see me on the Partner track, part of that is bc I don’t really know what they do all day. I’m also overwhelmed by the new role and hoping that I do it justice.

like

This is refreshing to hear as I agree. I’ve always sort of kept these thoughts to myself as I don’t want to be perceived as lazy or not ambitious enough, because that’s not true, but I can’t pretend to want that life anymore. I’ve been told by my current manager that I’m on track to become a PM at my current company which is great but I’m also not completely thrilled of the idea of it. Anyway, congrats on your promotion! Despite how you may feel about it in terms of your long term goals, it’s an accomplishment to be proud of. Sounds like we may be similar in that we both can doubt ourselves and our abilities. Best of luck!

like

I’m in the same boat. 35. And partner isn’t my goal. Or manager. I could have written this same exact post. I am a introvert and I literally feel drained daily. And struggling to find a fit. I am trying to move into industry but no luck still

like

I really feel you on this. I’m a high performer and have a tendency to burn myself out of if I don’t check myself. I worry that I’ll be at even higher risk of burning myself out if I take on all those added responsibilities if I go up for manager. I also care a lot about non-work things in my life - my relationships, trying to become a mom, hobbies, etc - and I worry that if I try to go up for manager I’m going to have to really start sacrificing those things. At this stage of my life, I think I’m ok just chilling out at my current level for a while and just do a great job delivering.

like

I feel this so much 🥺

I felt that way several years ago and was happy doing individual contributor roles. I’m at a point now where I want promotion and am looking for more senior roles and everything includes some people management. So I’m trying to highlight what experience I do have to try to move up. Managing people isn’t a specific goal of mine but it is necessary for me to move up. I will also say that I have had some very bad and some good managers so I understand the impact it can have on people. I take it seriously and would not take it on if I didn’t have some self-awareness and didn’t think I could do it well. I guess I’d have to look for another path. But I’m at a point now where I’m willing to do it and do it well for my career benefit.

I should clarify that my desire for promotion is because I’ve hit a wall with my income and want to earn more. I don’t care that much about more work, but it seems I have to take it on to break through the next level of income and earning potential.

like

Same. I had much more autonomy and respect shown to me as a contractor and lately been thinking a lot about going back to that life. I also have no desire to manage and have been asking about a specialist track to no avail.

Feel exactly the same at 30

If I wasn’t chasing titles/roles/responsibilities I would change companies and take lateral steps to find a role that was absolutely perfect for me. I’d also take time off anytime I switched companies and go travel. I think that you have the best situation because you have have a wide range of passions and ambition in your life that aren’t only about moving up.

In the same boat at 31!

34 and I feel you. That’s exactly why i went the SME route.

Related Posts

I am pega devloper with 8 years experience. How much i can expect from natwest . Cctc: 15

Help. Going through a bit of a mid-career crisis. I’ve been in planning for nearly 20 years and now...when I look at my boss, the CSO, that’s not what i aspire to. Maybe it’s burnout, maybe it’s climbing the ladder and seeing more of the corporate bs, idk. I need help seeing where to go from here. Research? Client side? Startup? I’m feeling lost 😩.

like

Could someone suggest a really good attorney for a contested divorce case in SF Bay Area ? Thanks

I have been in the electrical / Electronics field with an exp of 6+ yrs. To be honest these fields do not pay as much as their IT counterparts. People in IT discuss on being underpaid at 20LPA whereas ours is not even half of that. I need to know now is that with 6+ years of industry exp. Can I switch my streams for a well paid job. If yes please do help me out. Even otherwise I am open to suggestions and advice.

likefunny

I have offer of 23 lpa with CTS.. now I got 27 lpa counter offer aggred by CTS and got offer letter..when i tried to login to one cognizant portal it's not allowing..will we get new link to register for latest offer? Do v need to upload all docs for bgc verification? please comment if any know it

like

Does anyone have a non-compete clause in their contract in the UK (restricting you to work at a competitor firm)?
Do you know if Accenture enforces it at the time of exit?

like

Beyond HODINKEE talking watches (which there aren’t enough of...and so much opportunity e.g. Brady!) what are some good videos to watch re watches???

like

Hi folks,
I recently completed my technical interview with epam anywhere and I got selected in that. Now HR told me that I have one more project interview round which is also technical. In my epam profile it's showing that it's an offer interview. My HR told for functional testing it's a project interview instead of offer interview. I really confused about this and why should I take another Technical round even after clearing 1.5 hrs technical round. Can anyone share details of it?

like

Hey everyone! Same as with you all, joined recently and would like to DM. Thanks!

like

I am looking to relocate to Bangalore. I have around 20 years experience in Accounts

From last 12 years I am working in a Shopping Mall Industry and heading the accounts department

Looking for similar profile or open to change the industry as well

like

Hi fishes, I have total 10 years experience of design and developement experience in ab initio and talend. With data warehouse and data modelling knowledge and also worked in Aws s3.At present I am looking for change immediately.Can someone please help?

like

What do people think about screendragon campaign management software?

like

Has anyone tried Keto and experienced a improvement in ADD symptoms? I’m really trying to get off medication at some point. I’ve tried exercise, but need more. Thanks! :)

Do you ever get overwhelmed by the number of software programs you have to use at work?

like

Went to the park with the pup and she squealed so happily as she was chasing after a ball. Memories like this melt my heart 🥰 here she is posing (aka making sure mum can’t grab the ball and throw it again) 😂

Post Photo
like

What you guys feel about the new structural changes in Novartis !!!

like

Does anyone have any perspectives to share on RELEX Solutions? I have been contacted for the Senior Manager role (London based)

like

Someone should make Creatives Who are Down Bad.

funnylike

From the Moderator:

How do we feel about Joe Biden:

(A) Declaring before hand that his VP would be a woman
(B) Selecting a black woman

Should organizations take similar action? For example declaring that their next CEO will be a woman.


All views welcome

like

Time to go SWIMMING !!!

likefunny

Additional Posts in Women In Consulting

Work from home has made me super lazy and not a morning person. When I go to my evening workout classes, I barely have energy. Any tips to increase my energy and make me a morning person!?

like

Ladies would you purchase a home with a boyfriend or would you rather get married first?

like

Hey 🐠 I have recently realized that my verbal communication is not the greatest. It’s not bad. I just don’t sound like my boss(she is great). Any advice on courses/books/podcasts/prep/anything?

like

Dating down - feel like it’s a project convincing men that you are truly interested in them. How should women approach men who get intimidated or doubt your interest in them?

Asking for advice: Hi ladies, how do you tell your SO that you want private time with your friends/colleagues? For context, my SO and I have been living together for 2 years. He doesn’t have a lot of friends and is a quiet type. His current friends are all our mutual friends. We do enjoy spending time just us two a lot, especially during this pandemic. However, I do have a group of colleagues/friends that I’m close to and usually prefer to hang with them seperately. (cont. in comment)

like

Has anyone tried online therapy like BetterHelp? Any thoughts/feedbacks? I’m kind of intimidated to start the process, because I don’t know if it will work and if it’s worth the cost but I need help.

like

If you friend or SO had a bad day (eg difficulties at work), what would you do to cheer him up remotely?

like

From 22-27 I dated a guy who worked all the time with the hope we would get married. Lots of time spent alone since he was never around on trips and so called vacations. Recently, I broke up with him and just am really feeling like I wasted my twenties. I saw two girls walking down the street yesterday with pink balloons that spelled “23”... what I would give to have not wasted my time with this guy. Has anyone ever gone through this?

likehelpful

At Accenture changing from internal analyst role to a senior analyst in digital & client facing.I am always worried about being a female and salary. What should I negotiate and expect for pay?

like

Anyone get revenge on their ex? I want to hear your stories!!!

likefunny

How to date while living at home with your parents?? Feels so awkward 😬

likehelpful

I want to send a gift to my sister & her husband for heir 1 year wedding anniversary. Ideas that are not flowers?

like

Started dating a surgeon I really like, but find conversations dry sometimes. He talks a lot about his work and idk anything about medical field so I just listen most of the time. What are some good topics to talk about?

like

Laser hair removal or waxing? Tired of getting monthly Brazilians

like

Have you noticed that, overwhelmingly, senior males at our firms don’t pick up after themselves?

Why am I always picking up coffee cups that aren’t mine.... :(

like

I just feel this overwhelming apathy towards everything, I don’t feel motivated to work harder at my job, personal life is meh, don’t remember the last time I was actually happy. The only thing that I remotely enjoy is working out, life seems pointless otherwise. I don’t know what is wrong with me?

like

Have you ever been rolled off a project early, even after getting good feedback? Is there something wrong or just the needs that changed? Can't help but feel hurt.

like

Do any of you ladies have in-laws who live close by & insert themselves into your lives ALL THE TIME? I feel so overwhelmed by them, but my husband thinks it’s NBD. (Continued)

I got to know someone thru work, and flirted a bit over 1 week. Then we never spoke again because of work geography. He reached out this week after 9 months+ asking for a visa sponsor to take a vacay in my country (given mobility restriction these days), and asked me to hook him up with a business visa referral letter thru my connections. He also said he’s coming with gf. I said im happy to write him a personal reference letter, but wont be able to get him a business one. Is this rude?

like

Ok so. I have been on this journey for almost a year now to try and 'get to know and love myself' and I'm not there yet. I separated from my ex in March of 2020 and divorce was finalized in October 2020. I'm still sad, lost, angry etc. I'm trying/tried therapy, meditation, ayurveda, self help videos, books, but I'm not happy with myself and I don't think I know myself. I want to be happy alone before I meet anyone new. Any tips or advice on how I can effectively accomplish this? Thank you!

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal