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Pros and cons of being a middle manager?

Posted on 4/17/19 at 6:19 am
Posted by lsufanintexas
Member since Sep 2006
5010 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 6:19 am
I have been offered a middle manager role at the large org that I am at. I am debating taking it. I am currently manager of a small team but have been offer a larger role to build another larger team.

It’s a great career bump for me but I have also heard as a tech person you never want to go into middle management.

For those that are middle management, what are the pros and cons of your role?
This post was edited on 4/17/19 at 6:21 am
Posted by KG6
Member since Aug 2009
10920 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 6:26 am to
I'm not familiar with your company structure, but are you happy staying at your low level management position for the rest of your career? Middle management may suck, but it's the next step to higher management positions. Where I work, it's not like you can skip it. Its definitely the least financial reward for the headaches you gain, but it's more about the exposure for your next step. And where I'm at, if you are offered something and turn it down, you are in the doghouse as far as getting offers for a while. You have to let them know when you are or aren't currently interested in moving in the company in advance. Once they offer, you better take it. But I realize all companies differ.
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39553 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 9:11 am to
Pro and Con: You're halfway to upper management.
This post was edited on 4/17/19 at 9:12 am
Posted by Spirit of Dunson
Member since Mar 2007
23111 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 9:20 am to
What do you consider middle management? I know it depends on the size of your company, but what are we talking about here? 10k company and you being a senior manager? Or 100k company and you being a VP?
Posted by BitBuster
Lafayette
Member since Dec 2017
1439 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 9:53 am to
IT management has to be one of the worst jobs on the planet. You are hated from above and below. If you are already managing and like it, you have to take the bump otherwise you'll be stuck there forever.
Posted by Epic Cajun
Lafayette, LA
Member since Feb 2013
32391 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 9:58 am to
quote:

It’s a great career bump for me but I have also heard as a tech person you never want to go into middle management.

I think this depends upon how stable your company is. I know at my company, middle management has been changed several times over the last few years.
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 10:45 am to
Pros: More money


Cons: Middle management is some of the most soul crushing work out there.
Posted by lilsnappa
Red Stick
Member since Mar 2006
1793 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 11:22 am to
You control of all of things Executive management doesn't want to deal with, but at the same time you have no control of what's actually happening in the business.

You exist to keep the ship moving forward, but don't get to steer.
Posted by EA6B
TX
Member since Dec 2012
14754 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 7:13 pm to
Cant think of any positives, you have to deal with all the crap below you, but your hands are always tied by those above you.
Posted by deeprig9
Unincorporated Ozora, Georgia
Member since Sep 2012
63882 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 8:06 pm to
Age, family situation, type of business, backround within the org, all variables.

Posted by crazycubes
Member since Jan 2016
5256 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 8:57 pm to
Pro: this is an opening to work your way up
Con: that analogy on driving but not steering
Posted by meansonny
ATL
Member since Sep 2012
25567 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 10:08 pm to
Pros: upward mobility
Cons: lack of control. If you do well, you can get moved to an underperforming area to "right the ship". Do poorly, and you can be stagnant in your career until you leave the company.
Posted by oklahogjr
Gold Membership
Member since Jan 2010
36748 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 10:30 pm to
if you want to advance take it and deal. if you hate it you have a solid record of moving up to leverage into a new company. if you can deal its thr only path upwards typically
Posted by lsufanintexas
Member since Sep 2006
5010 posts
Posted on 4/17/19 at 11:14 pm to
I decided not to take the role. Found out it wouldn’t actually be a promotion but a lateral move. So no bump in pay, no new title, but more responsibilities. No thanks.
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