Comments on: Is A Promotion Worth Giving Up Your Flexibility?

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:49:56 +0000

Hmmm … shudder … thinking that way about management?

I’ve been in software and hardware management since ~1990. If done right, there really shouldn’t be a, shudder, when you think of managing other technically savvy and powerfully creative teams! It has been a GREAT RIDE working with and also PROMOTING other developers and out-of-the-box thinkers!

I see my job as being the one manager who dedicates time to ensuring EVERYONE on the team is respected, valued, and feels wanted and appreciated. A great job, if you can get it!

Take care,

Steve

Steve’s last blog post..Entrepreneur – In What Scale and Time

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:04:47 +0000

I now work from home full time, even as I am given more responsibility and greater prominence within the company. This is becoming much more common at companies. Personally, I have found that if I decide the parameters for my life, eg: working from home is essential…. that, as I move up in my career, the company will not lessen its value of me. In fact, it is the opposite. As I continue to work harder to improve our business (while working from home), the company has become supportive of anything they can do to ensure my needs are met. Remember: employment is a two way street!

By: Derek Semmler

Derek Semmler — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:33:11 +0000

@Wendy :: I do appreciate the words of advice/wisdom and will be sure to ask if I have any questions. The personal growth is very appealing and I would love to help other people grow. However, I also would like to build my online ventures to the point where I can do that full-time, so time will tell what is the best path.

@John :: Thanks for the feedback and sharing your experience. Eventually I do think I would become disenchanted if I stay technical, partly because I enjoy being challenged with new technologies and that would likely require a career change anyways.

@Damien :: You make a great point. It is not always a choice, at least not if you plan to stay with that employer. A few jobs back I was asked to take over for my boss who had left (as well as do my job), but they were not prepared to discuss any type of increase until my review period in 10 months.

@JLow :: That is great that your sister was able to make that decision and that she has enjoyed the results of doing so. I do think it can be somewhat easier when you have another salary that is the primary earner, although I am sure it can still be done if you are willing to make the necessary sacrifices. Thanks for sharing.

By: JLow

JLow — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 07:21:16 +0000

My older sister in HP Singapore decided consciously to forego a promotion just to have more time at home with her 3 kids. This was decided at the peak of her career, a time also when the kids would need parental attention the most (older 2 boys reaching their teens & a girl not far behind).

She makes a good manager now at her level, & she knew what potential she was giving up on. But if I ask her now, I know she will still say she has no regrets.

I think when things are more settled at home with the kids, she may consider going back “full force” into her career, given the chance. Her boys have finished high school & looking to university; only the girl now who isn’t far behind either.

But of course all this while she still has her fulltime-employee husband to rely on financially.

By: Damien

Damien — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 05:01:44 +0000

Sometimes you don’t get a choice. Your level is phased out OR you are the only one who can handle the position so they choose you. To decide “no” ends you up in trouble and looked down upon.

I say take it. The only way I would say no (my wife and I have both learned this) would be if they were blowing sunshine up your . . . and calling it a promotion but it wasn’t any more money . . . just more work.

By: John

John — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:39:25 +0000

I made the leap from technical to management, and in one sense it lead to less flexibility. Mostly it involved not being able to leave the office at quitting time (or earlier) if a crises developed. If an employee develops a problem late in the day, it might be necessary to stay.

Having said that, depending on the culture of your workplace, the flexibility may change. I know many people in upper management that regularly work from home on Fridays. My neighbor is a very high ranking HR person at a Fortune 500 company, and works from home most Fridays. So it is possible, but greatly depends on your company.

Good luck with whatever you decide. If you decide to stay technical, will you become disenchanted? Frustrated? Unhappy? These are the other sides to consider when making the decision.

By: Wendy Piersall

Wendy Piersall — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:52:54 +0000

Derek – this is A TOUGH decision! One of the benefits you didn’t mention is the personal and professional growth a promotion would offer you. You obviously know your stuff when it comes to development, a management position will give you the opportunity to develop your people, motivational and strategic skills.

In this instance, I have always gone with what my heart told me to do, even when I didn’t really want to go down that road. I can really trust my intuition on things like this, because I KNOW whatever road I take will really benefit my career path in the long haul.

I don’t know if those are words of advice or what – but please let me know if I can do anything to help you in your decision making process. Whatever is right for you and your family ALWAYS works out the best for everyone’s highest good!