I might not have a choice, for a variety of reasons.
One thing I'm good at is knowing my limitations, and If I don't feel like I know a lot about a topic I am very happy to delegate that responsibility to someone better suited.
I just...don't want to get left behind if I start managing people?
You will probably. At least on latest technology. I feel you there - big reason why I said I'd take on a lead role but don't have interest in running a full-fledged department.
That said, it's not really a bad thing. Being in managements gets you hella paid, and potentially more importantly, makes you more employable as you get older and all that. I'm 34 and I want another 10 years or so of tech experience. I really enjoy solving problems and building stuff. I still suffer horribly from imposter syndrome though and the work can be exhausting. I'd like to slide into management in my 40s so that I can work from 45-60 without dealing with all the ageism that absolutely exists in the tech space. Because I started my career so late, I will absolutely not be retiring early and will have to overcome that stuff on the other side of all this.
So yeah, just depends on what feels the best. Moving to management and ditching the more technical positions is 0% a downgrade. It's quite the opposite. And, if you end up hating it, most places will be
more impressed by you having the experience and coming back to the technical side, vs. those that will question the "backwards" move.
Is the salary bump nice enough to justify the bullshit that will come with being a manager? I know at the director and c-level management at my company, the money ain't worth the nonsense.
