Hey everyone, What do you think is the better career path and why? If I move into project management, I gain better perspective over the business side of things which may come in handy if I ever decide to start a business for my own. However, staying technical may be a better choice in terms of work life balance and also may command a higher TC in 15 years or so down the line if I want to become an Engineering Fellow. Is there another career path I’m missing altogether that might have the best TC/WLB combo? (aka a remote dev job in tech) Thanks!
Technical >>>>>>>>>>>>> project management
Can you explain why?
Technical definitely over PjM: TC and growth opportunities
Growth opportunities? It seems PjM would have a higher ceiling than tech fellow right? On the TC front you’re probably right, though it would heavily be dependent on how good you are
Tech fellows are glorified PMs. How much coding do you think the top tech leaders actually do?
It depends. If you are in biotech or even semiconductor, PM may be better.
I’m in the aerospace industry. Does that change anything?
PM better for your industry. But if you’re planning to work for a SW company, then technical is better
Don 't forget Sundar Pichai transitioned to PM from Applied Material. Where do you think he will be today if he stayed in technical in the semiconductor industry ?
He’d probably still be in technical. Definitely wouldn’t be the CEO of google right now. I guess technical doesn’t have as much visibility for leadership roles
Sundar Pichai’s case can’t be used to prove anything. For each Sundar Pichai, there are thousands of technical people who fail doing the transition.
Blind as a whole seems to take very poorly to project managers so you'll probably want to take advice here with a large helping of salt.
Isn’t TC low for PM in the long term than being in tech?
yes, less mobility less pay
Technical fellow is a long shot. Just look at how many are in your company now. It’s like going the project management path with the goal of becoming a GM
I believe you are trying to go up in career path in management like if you have dream of being CEO, VP or something like that than take PM role. Salary wise as I have discussed with people I don't think their will be much difference.
Simply put: Staying on technical path gives you more flexibility and mobility. Moving around is still a good way to improve pay and get the best offers. As more experienced you get, the better career choices you make and if you find good opportunity in terms of personal traits/respect/team/leadership/market/politics to stay longer and develop your career on a specific place, then you have the option to do it. But never give up developing your technical background and judgment in favor of switching to management just because of that. Also, I also believe that managers should emerge and not being imposed, so evaluate your moment and see if you’re in that position.
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The answer is never project management if you can stay technical.
Why? Is it because of TC, job security, WLB, or a combination?
TC, job security, career growth potential.