I’m in an analyst role where the “career ladder” feels more like a trap door, the only visible next step is management. I actually enjoy digging into data, building models, and solving problems, but it seems like if I want progression (and higher comp), I have to stop doing the technical work and start managing people. No clear Senior or Staff analyst path, Did you take the management jump to level up, or move companies to keep growing technically? Curious how others navigated this crossroads.

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I undertook a management opportunity because my boss asked if I was interested. And btw if your boss wants to promote you, you should never say no. But the reason why I was promoted into management because I had have experience influencing others who don’t report to me in order to execute on larger company initiatives.

The reason I gave up being technical was because we already have too many people whom are very technical but few have effective collaboration skills to work with other teams with different motivational drivers and potentially abrasive personalities.

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I think management is a great field gives you a greater field of vision more than other roles. Plus it opens more doors because every industry requires a manager. Trust your instincts. You’ll be fine.

I very much agree, I'm in the same boat. It annoys me that vague leadership seems to be rated more than actyalu technical knowledge. At the end of the day, follow whatever makes you happy at work.

Many companies offer a management growth path as well as a technical one. Technical titles include lead, staff, principal, and up to CTO.

This is a common trap. I would look for organisations with Staff or Principal IC tracks, or start framing your impact in business terms to justify senior technical progression without people management.

Maybe look for a role that lets you enjoy what you do and also gives you a desirable salary?

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Comment 1 for current market scenario.
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