I’m in my late 30s and still working in an individual contributor non-manager role. I can’t help but feel behind in life. When I talk to people I grew up with, some are managers and some even own their own businesses. How do you fight the feeling of being behind?

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I would say reframe your mindset. Being a manager sounds genuinely terrible in my opinion, apart from the extra money. I don’t understand the appeal of having more responsibility in that way, though some people love it. Make the most of having less responsibility and look into other avenues of income.

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Some have the mindset to be management. Most don't. You couldn't pay me enough to be management. I'm more train me, give me the task and leave me alone. I'm the one you want tackling the issue, not the front man handling the customer service side. Proud of it too.

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Well don't think about it don't ever compare yourself to someone else's success you're on your own path I right now and want to play it and I'm 43 and I should have a good job and all that but I'm in concentrating I'm getting back on my feet you should just think about your own path if you feel like you're falling behind perhaps save some money really think about what you're one in life think about your goals if you want your open your own business save my best advice I can tell you is concentrate on what is in front of you what's in your path don't worry about what anybody else is doing around you make a plan and execute it

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I’m not sure if I want to manage or if it’s what’s supposed to happen in terms or career progression

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Being an individual contributor does not equate to being left behind. There are many IC roles out there that are just as fulfilling and pay as much as a managing job. I was a senior manager for a few years and realized that I am more happy being an IC right now. The feeling may change again later.

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Wow that’s very encouraging to hear. I’m glad you found the right fit for you!

Management is not for everyone, some people thrive as individual contributor, for others it’s a choice to move into management. Personally, years ago (15) I didn’t want to go into management, but something changed when I listened to a great leader, he made me see it from a different perspective.
Now I use my experience to encourage others and help those under my leadership. It’s a great feeling to see them grow and thrive.

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Sounds like that leader really brought out a lot of great qualities in you and helped you find your true potential. I love hearing success stories like that.

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The first thing you should do is STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS!
Everyone grows and their own pace, learn to be happy with what you have accomplished. The best thing to know how much you’ve achieved is to teach someone what you know. You will have a better understanding of the magnitude and wealth of knowledge you have accumulated.

Management is not for everyone, you have to accept the fact there’ll be trade offs (ex: if you’re technical you’ll be given up a percentage of it). You’ll now have to focus not only in delivering but also the responsibility of leading others that will count on you. You’ll have to teach them to get better and grow.

I suggest starting with a ‘Lead’ or ‘supervisor’ role, these carry some additional responsibilities but don’t necessarily have to be involved with performance reviews and raises.
Set some short term goals and know that you may have to find an opportunity elsewhere.

Good luck to you!

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Actually just do what you enjoy doing, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise just longest you’re not causing any harm to anything or anyone.

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I wish I knew what I would enjoy. I don’t even know if I would want to manage if I’m being transparent. I think it’s very hard to enjoy anything in corporate because of all the social politics and whatnot.

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I’ve decided the end game is not about getting a title or comparing your career vs your friends. It’s about when you could get out of the rat race and retire early to me that is the ultimate end game.

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I agree with you that what’s outside of work is more important. I am hoping to increase my salary so I can retire early. Maybe there are other ways to do that that aren’t management.

I'm early 50s and pioneered IC roles at my first employer. Back then the assumption was that everyone would want manager roles and I actually heard one person say that if you didn't you weren't a good fit for the company and should look for another job.

I actually spoke out then and pointed out the pyramid structure and that not everyone COULD advance to a manager role and that mindset was setting people up for failure and setting unrealistic expectations.

That started to turn people's minds and altered the expectations.

If you want a manger role, go for it. But don't feel that it is the natural path for everyone.

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I am 36 and in an IC role my whole career, worked with many people older than me that are completely content staying IC as well. Most of them actually by choice would not want to venture to management. First of all you have to want to be a manager, and it's not everyone's cup of tea. Secondly, you want to be a good people person to succeed and enjoy that type of role. Nothing wrong with well paying IC! Don't feel you are falling behind!

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Thank you! That’s a good reminder. I will work on not being so hard on myself and just enjoy the ride along the way.

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I understand that I am 45 years old that I have problems finding work just after I lost my last job over a week ago .

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I’m sorry to hear that. I know what it’s like to not be where you want to be. We have to remember that we’re facing the worst job market in our recent times and it’s not something personal.

First of all, … don’t compare yourself (easier said than done) however everyone’s journey is different. I went back to school and was able to move through life with confidence while earning higher pay than the friends I had. They started to put me down because I graduated from college, etc.
I left all unsupported friendships and focussed on self for a bit.
You got what it takes to achieve whatever you want to do. You just gotta take that step towards something - sometimes it can be just that first step. Forget about who’s got this or that. Let that be the fuel that ignited your adventure.

Thank you! I needed that reminder to stop comparing myself to others. We’re all on our own journey and that’s ok.

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It depends on what you want.

Ensure you have the skill set and build a plan if you don’t have the required skills yet. Having a plan, even if it’s unrealistic, gives you a feeling of being in control again and this can keep you motivated.

If this is within your control, and you want to be a Manager, go get it.

It’s not a race. You are you. If you keep comparing yourself you will never be happy. Also, just because they say are doing good doesn’t mean they actually are. Being a manager is extra work and usually salary so you won’t get paid for overtime.

Do you really want to manage other people? Or is it just about getting more money? I have no desire to manage other people, which is why I ask. Maybe you need to start looking at other jobs that pay more that would interest you.

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