I find myself at a pivotal point in my career. First and foremost, let me introduce myself: Programming and technology are intrinsic parts of my life. I am 30’s years old. With bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and master’s degree in software engineering. With 7 years of experience. A year ago, as a senior iOS engineer, I had the opportunity to be promoted to Associate Engineering Manager (EM), and I accepted. After this year, I have doubts about my own happiness and the impact this decision may have had or will have on my career. I'm uncertain about the impact AI may have on SWE jobs and their TC. (Or to EM’s) Recently, I've begun discussing this with my manager, and we're exploring the possibility of returning to an individual contributor (IC) role, probably as a Principal SWE. It's a decision I want to contemplate deeply and not rush into. Simultaneously, I'd like to move to the US, but there are no immediate plans for an L1 in the short term (at least for this year). Being an EM might potentially ease obtaining an L1 in the future and moving to the US, but I'm unsure of the negative or positive impact it might have on my professional path, especially if I lean towards returning to an IC role. Your observation about there being more opportunities as an IC, with comparable or sometimes higher TC than as an EM, and with fewer headaches and less politics, is noteworthy. It seems like a significant factor to consider as you evaluate your career path. Programming brings me joy; I feel useful and productive. As an EM, I often find myself in a sea of imposter syndrome. I'd like to ask for your opinion on this matter. Is it negatively impactful to have become an EM and then desire to return to being an IC? Do you see more future stability, both in employment and TC, in being a Principal or an EM? Could I obtain an L1 and a green card as a Principal instead of an EM? Do companies or recruiters value having been an EM for a while and gaining those skills, even if you've reverted to an IC role? Should I omit the period I was an EM from my resume and present it as a continuous IC path, or does showcasing those skills add value? Where do you think higher TC can be obtained? In IC or EM? Thank you very much!
EM
If IC path then you have to be really stellar at it. Every time without fail.
Thanks. It should be stellar for what? For market or gc?
your skills/impact
I don't know you but most EMs I know wouldn't be able to clear a principal loop.
What do you mean? I am pure technical. I was offered to become EM cause company reorganisation and I was the highest IC role in my team
You can't be purely technical if you're EM. Some of your time is spent on people management.
Forget GC if not a manager wiih 2yr exp India and transfer in same role
I am from Spain
Principal at 7yrs?
I haven’t count internships and startup “CTO” experiences. I am writing code since 2010.
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