I don't think you should think about execution work as "a step backwards", especially if you enjoy it. Careers are not always linear, and it's wonderful you have the skills to do something you enjoy, as well as the self-awareness to know what you don't enjoy.
I've been a creative director and design lead in the past, but realized that being an individual contributor was more my speed and preference. At no point did going to an IC role feel like "a step backwards". I have so much more enjoyment in my job and life now as an IC, and phenomenal work life balance, which really all feels like a huge step forward for me.
Focus on what you want, what you enjoy doing, and what circumstances will help you thrive best overall! If that really means a career pivot, then best of luck!
Great question, I'm not exactly sure! I've been lucky enough to earn more base salary every year regardless of job title and reports, but I most likely could have made more in terms of total comp by now had I stayed with management roles.
Ultimately the price of my mental and physical health need to be factored in too, and WLB. If you compare the number of hours worked per week + vacation time + general happiness with life, I feel like I'm ahead as an IC :)
I went from working 60-80 hour weeks (in both CD and Design Lead roles) and being constantly stressed out, depleted, and feeling like I couldn't take vacation, to now working <40 hours a week + 6-7 weeks of vacation a year + so much time to take care of my mental and physical health, and other important aspects of my life.
I agree with the fisher above 👆 I just want to add that doing what you love, doing hands on work in this case, will help tap into potentials you don’t realize you have one way or another. You may gain enough pleasure and generate enough impact by deepening your expertise in one field. You may very likely acquire new skills or perspective in adjacent fields that will put you in a lot more interesting spot that what it is today.
Lastly, it’s already a huge bless that you know what you like doing. Many don’t. Congrats!
I don't think you should think about execution work as "a step backwards", especially if you enjoy it. Careers are not always linear, and it's wonderful you have the skills to do something you enjoy, as well as the self-awareness to know what you don't enjoy.
I've been a creative director and design lead in the past, but realized that being an individual contributor was more my speed and preference. At no point did going to an IC role feel like "a step backwards". I have so much more enjoyment in my job and life now as an IC, and phenomenal work life balance, which really all feels like a huge step forward for me.
Focus on what you want, what you enjoy doing, and what circumstances will help you thrive best overall! If that really means a career pivot, then best of luck!
Great question, I'm not exactly sure! I've been lucky enough to earn more base salary every year regardless of job title and reports, but I most likely could have made more in terms of total comp by now had I stayed with management roles.
Ultimately the price of my mental and physical health need to be factored in too, and WLB. If you compare the number of hours worked per week + vacation time + general happiness with life, I feel like I'm ahead as an IC :)
I went from working 60-80 hour weeks (in both CD and Design Lead roles) and being constantly stressed out, depleted, and feeling like I couldn't take vacation, to now working <40 hours a week + 6-7 weeks of vacation a year + so much time to take care of my mental and physical health, and other important aspects of my life.
I agree with the fisher above 👆 I just want to add that doing what you love, doing hands on work in this case, will help tap into potentials you don’t realize you have one way or another. You may gain enough pleasure and generate enough impact by deepening your expertise in one field. You may very likely acquire new skills or perspective in adjacent fields that will put you in a lot more interesting spot that what it is today.
Lastly, it’s already a huge bless that you know what you like doing. Many don’t. Congrats!
Chief
Pivot idea: start your own shop. Get a partner or hire someone who specifically likes the business ops so you can be Design Principal.