Age:40 Principal product manager I took it easy the last 6 years as I was caring for my little son. I'm now looking to grow but feel like tech has changed and growth may not be easy at 40. I feel I missed the tech boom. Tips for folks who have managed to grow in tech even today or are looking to grow? My goal is to become a manager of product managers and grow from there.
My mom was a workaholic and I wish she was around more. I prioritize my wife to focus on our kid rather than work. Workday has a ton of paths for PM to become director+ if you’re ambitious Hoping some mothers can chime in Edit: This comment was in context to another thread where she was mentioning growing from $380k TC, moving to director, and balancing kids which I think she can do all of this at workday. Thank you!
I really don’t think you are too old for that. There are plenty of PMs who are ICs in their 40s. As long as you are willing, there is a way. Work with your manager to make a career development plan for you and have them help you get opportunities internally first - that would be the fastest/easiest way to get into management roles.
Why do you want to be a manager? Why do you think growth is in mgmt track vs IC?
It's possible but going to depend on how much you are willing to grind.
TC?
I don’t think it’s too late. Lots of people grow their career after 40, some exponentially. I know more than one person in my life who has experienced this. You need to find someone willing to hire you for a leadership role.
Network where you are and get mentors if possible. My manager is a similar age to you, mom of kids as well and just became manager of PMs from an IC , best manager I’ve had by far
You’re not doing bad - lot of PMs in their 40s are still ICs, struggling and are going through mid life crisis. I think you’ve balanced and got the best of both the worlds. And if you want to be challenged, pls fix Workday, one of the worst enterprise products I’ve ever used and wouldn’t wish this upon even for my worst enemy.
Maybe can’t comment much because I’m not a director but at your level the focus is less on the tech than the strategy. Also workday has no real difficult tech so not sure that even needed
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I thought your mom is 40 and she is looking to grow in the same career as yours.
Haha that made me laugh hard
OP, worry not. I am in the same boat. I had a shot at becoming Director in a mid-sized public company but chose to join Amazon as a L6 PM-T. Plenty of younger ones at my level but I don't worry about it. What I have realized is that you need one or two advocates (not your boss ) who will bat for you. They will be the one that cause you to rise. But, you will have to impress them with your work. Chasing your own boss for promotions/growth is a dead end. Never chase promotions, chase delivering commitments and going above and beyond for your business stakeholders.