Normalize Not Being Manager

When we think about getting a promotion or "moving up" in the workplace, we often think of becoming a manager. But that is not always the correct answer.

Don't get me wrong, being a manager is good, rewarding, even fun. Yes, there are bad days and tough decisions to make, but that comes with most jobs. In reality, being a manager is not for everyone.

Some people don't want the responsibility that comes along with being a manager, and some people are just not good at it. So, if this is you, think about growing your career horizontally instead. Move up by moving sideways.

What does that mean? First, find out what you love and what you're good at. Those two things may not always come together, but identify at least one. Then, find roles that match the interest/skill category. Preferably one that makes more or similar to what you're making now. Let's be honest; most of us want a promotion for the money.

From there, check with your current employer and see if there are open roles you can apply for within the company that fit either of those categories. If there are none, reach out to your manager and see if there are opportunities available to learn new skills. Prepare yourself for when that role becomes available.

Companies, at least the good ones, have 80/20 or 90/10 programs where you can shadow or partially work with, and learn from other teams/team members within your company.

If your workplace offers neither of these, look elsewhere. Just be prepared to start at an entry-level role if you do not have any experience or education in this new adventure you're embarking on.

For example; If you are a support agent and want to grow. Instead of becoming a team lead or a support manager (unless that is what you want of course), analyze your strengths and desires. You may realize you want to be in and/or a good fit in engineering, product, enablement, sales, etc. Whatever that may be, get alignment with your manager and work towards that goal.

If you are still deciding whether to take the leap and switch roles, earn additional skills through education instead. Take part-time courses (online or local), watch training videos online, listen to podcasts, join a community, partner with a mentor, and so much more.

Something else to think about… Unless you truly enjoy the space that you are in, "climbing the ladder" there may result in you working in that same space/industry for longer than you'd like. So don't limit yourself. Get out of your comfort zone and find a role you can get excited about, then get good at it.