In a company where I used to work, a newly promoted manager decided after a year that he did not like management. He wanted to remain hands-on with projects rather than dealing with people issues and paperwork. Fortunately, he worked in a large company that was responsive to the employees. His request to step down from management was accommodated with few problems.
But if you are a manager who wants to step down from management, you may have to look outside your current company for an opportunity. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Make sure your problem is with the management role, not the company. You may find that you like being a manager if you are in a smaller or larger company or different industry sector or different company culture.
- Make sure you are clear about your reasons for leaving management. When you network and interview, you must be comfortable with your decision. If you are comfortable with your decision, others will be comfortable recommending you and considering you for job openings.
- Make sure your hands-on skills are still current. While technical skills are the most likely to become dated, every field has some aspect that changes over time. If your skills need refreshing, take relevant courses and obtain relevant certifications.
- Consider whether you would accept a contract or consulting position to transfer back into the hands-on arena. A temporary or consulting position is a good way to transition and to hone your hands-on skills.
- Make sure your resume puts the correct emphasis on your hands-on skills. You might create a section called (for example) “Relevant Experience” that lets you highlight hands-on achievements before you describe your management achievements.
As a professional resume writer, I can help you refocus your resume toward a company where you would be happier as a manager or away from management entirely.