Is there a development career track without management?

Question

I'm a technology VP. As my scope has widened, I spend more and more of my time on people issues and 30k foot problems than with technical details. However I got to where I am today by my coding and architectural skills. I've come to the realization that I'm a descent VP but an excellent developer/architect. Being a manager takes alot of work, developing is a sheer pleasure and comes naturally. I think that in the end, I will provide more value to myself and others by giving myself a demotion and taking on a sr. architect or engineering role. However, it is a bit frustrating that this requires a 40% salary decrease. I also find that as technologists get older, they tend to gravitate toard management and let the younger breed to the coding.

I'm 41 and not getting younger, but I want to believe there is a future in development and hands on engineering that will carry me into my old age with a comfortable living. So is there a career track that supports this vision?

Answer 1

Google has a fantastic job ladder for employees who are great software engineers but are not interested in management. There are some other companies founded by engineers that work this way.

Alternatively, do consulting work or join a start-up.

Answer 2

Some company's have a senior individual contributor track which doesn't involve becoming a manager. It's the Architect, Distinguished Engineer, Technical Fellow route. Microsoft (for whom I work) has this model.

I think the only thing to bear in mind is that companies tend to have a lot more managers than Architects and Distinguished Engineers so you should factor that into your thinking.

Answer 3

I will suggest here to continue with what you are doing and start a pet project that can help you and your organization in some way.

This way you can enjoy coding/development and also enjoy your current job.

BUT, if you are not enjoying your current job just because of its job nature, I will suggest you to go with some small startup where you can enjoy Development job.

Answer 4

Rather than the fully employed career track, consulting or contracting are the most popular routes for continuing straight development for good money.

Answer 5

How about continuing with your work as Tech VP, but develop software on your free time (with projects from sourceforge etc).

That way you'd still earn a lot, and still continue doing what you want (development).

Answer 6

The easiest way to succeed is to do some thing (one thing) that you love and get really, really good at it. If your current job does not let you do it, find a job that will.

Everything else tends to fall into place after that.

Answer 7

Maybe not the answer to your question but maybe also there's something bigger behind the question. Perhaps reading this will spur some thoughts:

http://www.changethis.com/6.HowToBeCreative