Tech IndustryNov 30, 2019
Newiuhbnk

Director looking to go back to IC

I am a director at a non FAANG tech company, 36yo, with about 20 reports (3 of which are direct managers and the other are ICs). I am completely burned out by the crap and office politics and would like to go back to be an IC doing technical work and just be responsible for my output, but I think my skills have rotten over the past few years. I can still somehow hit leetcode and do the easy or the more approachable mediums. Do you think my ass would be kicked by younger and more talented devs, or that I would have problems getting interviews? My current TC is 950k, I have saved up 3.8M NW so I’m fine in getting a paycut around 350k TC, since i should be set for retirement already and my goal is NOT to retire early, I am not interested in retiring, I get a thrill from working in tech. Thanks

Add a comment
Deloitte Ooah Nov 30, 2019

Sorry for what might be seen as an offensive question but, why are you still working? If you have 3.8 million in investments, why do you need the 950k total comp?

New
iuhbnk OP Nov 30, 2019

I don’t need the 950k total comp, that’s why I am looking to switch to a less stressful job by being an IC. I am too young to retire and honestly I like tech, I wouldn’t know what to do otherwise.

Deloitte Ooah Nov 30, 2019

Develop some hobbies and just enjoy life?

NetScout batua Nov 30, 2019

Why not become an engineering manager?

New
iuhbnk OP Nov 30, 2019

It’s not that different from being a director. I don’t want to be a people manager anymore.

NetScout batua Nov 30, 2019

If you want to earn +400K you are aiming for +IC4. There will be a hill to climb

Google palacio Nov 30, 2019

In my opinion, keep doing it for few more years, then retire directly

Indeed uDJT Nov 30, 2019

+1

New
iuhbnk OP Nov 30, 2019

I’m 36... what am I going to do when I retire? I don’t want to retire until much later in life. I enjoy tech.

Indeed uDJT Nov 30, 2019

Leetcode is honestly not that hard. It's a matter of time and spending a reasonable amount of hours (not everyone has that time tho). I did not know anything about algos and data structures ... Took some lecture notes I found online and studied them while doing easy/mediums and now I feel like a leetcode champ.

Seyfarth Shaw chowtime Nov 30, 2019

Have you thought about teaching? Since money is not an issue for you anymore, maybe you will find some enjoyment in passing the knowledge to the younger folks

New
iuhbnk OP Nov 30, 2019

Nah, that’s why I want to step down from this role. I don’t enjoy mentoring, I realized I enjoy being in the front line doing actual work. I am not satisfied when a person in my team grows, as bad as that sounds. The reason why I have gotten this position is because I have been able to set very good technical directions for the organization, so I have been promoted “despite” my lack of people management skills.

Compass EGhg08 May 12, 2021

true words

New
MWYL07 Nov 30, 2019

It would be funny to here how it goes. Why not downgrade yourself at the current company?

New
iuhbnk OP Nov 30, 2019

The dynamics would be way too weird, it’s just better to start fresh. Plus I’ve been at my company for a few years now so it’s about time to look for a different environment.

Pandora 0fux2gv Nov 30, 2019

What kind of companies do you all work for to get this insane TC for director level? Tech companies I’ve been at pay half that for VPs

New
iuhbnk OP Nov 30, 2019

500k is TC for a good senior IC. Director is around my range. VP are in the solid 2M/y. Obviously this is mostly equity comp, my base is 300k + perf bonus.

Microsoft olive 8 Nov 30, 2019

I'm really motivated to ask if this is paper money or a public company. It's seems highly unusual to get paid 1m for 30 person org head at non FANG.

New
un4givable Nov 30, 2019

I think it’s going to be tough to find a manager that wants to hire someone with your experience. Too threatening, too many delicate egos. Downplay your resume or strike out on your own?

Seagate toti420 Nov 30, 2019

Can we switch? Give me 950k TC and I’ll put up with anything. I’ll even switch political parties let alone office politics.

New
iuhbnk OP Nov 30, 2019

The most actionable reply of the thread.

Lyft IQGu18 Nov 30, 2019

I did something similar. Here is the issue though, even if you join as a senior IC, you are not responsible for just your work. You are expected to have an org wide impact and it’s impossible to do it without having a team support you. So, you will end up managing a team but you are not responsible for doing their perf reviews and career management which is a huge relief. However, depending on how the other EMs in the org are, your life could be easy or difficult.