Should You Become an Engineering Manager?

Deciding between an engineering manager (EM) role and an individual contributor (IC) path involves considering career growth, working style, and skill development. Managers often face less control over their career growth due to organizational needs but may find rapid advancement in growing companies. They work mostly through delegation and influence, resulting in fewer hours but more fragmented schedules. Engineers with strong people skills or aspiring to executive roles might find management rewarding. Transitioning to management typically requires proving oneself in a senior IC role first and showing readiness through smaller management tasks.