More professionals than ever are rejecting the traditional move up the ladder. Being a manager used to be considered the automatic “next step” in a career, but now many folks see it as a trade-off they’re not interested in making.
Here’s what people are saying:
The emotional and logistical burden of managing people is high — handling performance reviews, conflict, and burnout of team members weighs heavily.
Support systems are often weak: training, mentorship, and leadership skills development aren’t keeping up with what managers actually need.
Many still prefer to stay hands-on with the work they love — creating, building, solving — rather than shifting into overseeing others.
When Leadership Isn’t the Reward
The old hierarchy of climb higher may be cracking. For many, managing isn’t a prize—it’s a weight. Those who want to grow are asking: can you grow without managing people?
