Deciding if Management is Right for You
The lure of management can be too strong for many people to resist. Not only is the idea of making more money attractive but so is the thought of being able to effect change in your field. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for some people to find out once they get started with a career in management that they have made the wrong choice. So, how do you know whether management is right for you? By comparing the advantages and disadvantages and then deciding whether the advantages are worth dealing with the disadvantages.
Probably the biggest benefit of getting into management is the bigger paycheck. There’s no way around the fact that managers simply make more money than subordinates. Mangers also have significantly more power than others lower on the career rung. This can allow you to make changes within your company as well as gain prestige in both your professional and social circles.
Before making a move toward management; however, it’s important to determine whether what you perceive management to be is actually true. For example, while it is the standard that managers are paid more than subordinates in most companies; this isn’t always the case. Some companies pay their employees based on skill not necessarily on title or position.
In addition, it’s important to realize that while you will generally have more power as a manager than as a mere subordinate, you may not have as much power as you might imagine. Be realistic about the changes you might be able to make before beginning your climb to the top.
One of the unfortunate disadvantages of management is that you can quickly create enemies. Every decision you make has the potential to make you unpopular. If your subordinates are former co-workers this may place you in a particularly difficult situation.
If you are the type of person who requires immediate feedback on your job performance, management may not be the right choice for you. Generally, you won’t be able to receive feedback for several months; possibly until evaluation time. Keep this in mind when deciding whether this is the right career move for you.
Do you have trouble making decisions? If so, it might be best to steer away from management. Ultimately, you will be the one facing decisions that not only affect your career but others as well. Be sure you can handle this type of responsibility.
In addition, as a manager you will face certain legal liabilities. You will be responsible for ensuring that your staff and customers are free from danger as well as making sure that your work environment is not prone to any type of harassment. You will be required to sign numerous documents and may even be held to financial accountability.
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