management vs. individual contributor
I’m at the stage in my career where I have the opportunity to build a design team and move into more of a management role. However, I enjoy being hands on and actually working on UX and Design. Are there opportunities to make equal money as a very senior individual contributor as a design manager? Or is the only way to make more money by moving into management? for reference current salary is $162k + startup benefits (stock options but crappy benefits)
Those who can, do. Those who can’t, manage.
Middle and upper management will make more usually. You won't ever get a VP salary as an IC unless you're famous in your field (or have a fake VP title).
Will your team be so large that you will no longer be hands on at all? A lot of first line managers also produce
I don’t imagine so big, but more trying to figure out career trajectory rather than what to do next month etc.
Do what you enjoy doing. Tech has the rare opportunity that IC and management can make approximately the same. You won't notice the salary difference.
Very cool insights, thanks for sharing!
Management is not the only way to make more money. My ICs make more money than I do. I’m a first level manager though.