Would you choose between more technical role or management ? Looking for Advice!
Hi,
I’m currently in year 5 of my IT career working in a Level 2 support role, and I’ve recently been presented with a leadership opportunity that I’m unsure about.
Originally, the plan between my manager and I was for me to step into more of a support/second-in-command lead role. However, during a meeting with upper management, the discussion shifted more toward me taking over the day-to-day management of our IT team of 8 people, while my current manager focuses on other areas and stays partially involved.
This would also mean overseeing people who are more senior technically than me and have been with the company longer, including some Level 3 techs.
I’m pretty 50/50 on management. I’m also very interested in growing on the cybersecurity side, and I know moving into a true management role would probably reduce how much hands-on technical/security work I’d be doing.
Part of me feels like this is a great growth opportunity and worth trying. Another part of me worries I’d be stepping away from the technical path earlier than I want to.
For people who’ve been in a similar situation:
- What made you choose management vs staying technical?
- How was the transition into management?
- How did you handle leading people more senior technically than you?
- Any regrets or advice?
Would really appreciate hearing other people’s experiences. Thanks!