I’m in my late forties am an engineering manager and for that last 5 years and 3 companies have just felt totally frustrated by the execs I have worked with. I just started a new job as a director at a very well funded startup, and I am totally not feeling the culture. It is a lot of the same “we’re cool, but actually super top down and controlling” behaviors that drive me nuts. I thought I screened for that pretty well (although truth be told I had some concerns about the CTO) and I am very open about my views on empowerment and ownership in interviews. To be honest I think I am more the problem. I just think I’m done with the industry, or maybe I should stop chasing $ and go work for a small company where I can really have control and create a work environment that is empowered, engaged, and sustainable. Where execs aren’t misusing sprint metrics to judge and pressure teams. Thinking about retirement but I don’t quite have the cash I need, I thought when I went to this job I would just do it for a few years and grab the cash, but I don’t know if I have it in me. I had three job offers and this was the most cash and prestige, but I’m wondering if I should go back to one of the others that was a platform rewrite for a small struggling software company. Sorry for anyone reading this I know it is just ramblings but I needed to get it out.
Join Microsoft
I just got to a similar scenario. Was bored after many years in a company. Meanwhile, passed on several opportunities due to loyalty to teams and company. Then, a good ex-manager took me to another company doubling my TC. After a couple of years, moved again getting about 50% more. In a couple of months, will move again and get to the absurdity of a >1MM/year TC. Each time, I got more money for less work and more impact. Lesson to share: you may be bored and unhappy because you are really in a boring and sad environment. Move on. Best case: you get happier, more impactful and better rewarded. Worst case: you were the root of the problems in the team you left, and you just made them happier!
Nice perspective. BTW what role and level are you looking to move to (& where) to hit that 1M/yr TC?
TC?
I just put up with work knowing that it pays for all the fun stuff I like to do outside the office (international travel, cars, home theater equipment etc). There is so much more to life than worrying about and getting annoyed if you don’t have control over an office setting. Maybe time to take some time off/vacation?
Can you make the jump to the executive level at smaller company?
Yeah I think this is the right move. I’m going to start looking for a smaller < 150 established software company and not care about how much they pay me.
What money you are making