Advise for someone in 30s
I am TPM in my current role. It's been a disaster for last couple of years. I don't think I enjoy this role any more. It's all about politics and tracking status. At the end of day, there is zero recognition despite doing mammoth of work. I like to focus on technical things. However, I am not getting any responses for engineering manager type of roles. I have done people management in the past. My coding skills are rusty though. I have written code on and off for few years, but I am not a DS/Algo ninja. I also don't think I am at a point of passing swe-2 bar. I am not sure what is way out of this loop. Everyday it kills internally to do uninteresting work. I like money but for moving on I have no other options available at this point. I am thinking of getting Master's degree in CS, but not sure how much that will be helpful. My long term goal is to be VP/SVP of a company. It just feels like I am stuck forever. Another thing that bothers me is biases in hiring. Say, even if I get the master's degree, there is no guarantee that it would lead to EM role. Most people who have these kind of roles have good network. I have almost zero network. All jobs I have worked so far got me in through online application only. Everyone at my age seems to be pulling 200k or more very easily. I am still at 140k base salary. While making money is important, I am learning that interesting work is equally important. Any thoughts on moving forward and breaking out of the loop? #google #facebook
Yes on network — but look at what you wrote — have done people management roles in the past. Most VP/SVP have really forged through the fire with teams and come out with impressive people skills. Be ambitious but recognize each new level demands new skills.
That sucks you’re so unhappy in your role. You mention money isn’t the top priority, so I’d suggest getting in a role you’re good at first, then look at advancement. IC TPM seems like a big jump to eng manager (without knowing more of your background). What about being a VP is appealing? Does it just sound good or do you have a vision for what that really entails? Why is your thought engineering manager? If that feels like the right path you might need to go up and over (manage TPMs first) or build back up your development (jr Dev then advance quickly)? The standard leetcode should help you refresh your coding for an interview. If you aren’t up for that, then why would eng manager be your option. You also may want to thinking through eng manager if you don’t like to do project management. What type of management did you do before (in tech? What discipline?)?
I was tech lead + manager previously. I was managing a small team before.
I’m pissed you can’t spell “advice.”
You want 200k a year because why? You have those kind of expenses, or are you trying to emulate what you think you see?
Why do you care. If you don’t know the answer to OP’s question, stay quiet!
You asked a question with a period, asshat. Fight me! (Nah, it's all love M$ broham. You need to calm down before you give yourself an aneurysm.)
I would suggest getting in to a product manager role with in your company or another company. I definitely see a vision in your thoughts, you are going to be better off with product management. A title change may also trigger inner ⚡️. Good luck my friend :-)
Second this. Product management is a more fulfilling role. Just as TPM, at times, your engg might care less about what you contribute but customers really do care. Your impact will be higher too. Focus on building your core leadership skills which will eventually bring clarity on whether or not you really want to/should be a VP oneday. Luck is afterall a big part of who gets to be a VP... I suggest not to fixate on titles.
Build network. Go for product manager role?