After several years in project management, it’s natural to wonder, “What’s next?” Similar to a mid-life crisis, where one has secured a stable career, raised a family, and achieved personal milestones, project managers may also face a sense of plateau. The excitement of early career challenges begins to wane, leaving a desire for something more fulfilling or ambitious. Fortunately, there are various ways to reignite passion and elevate one’s career.
Interestingly, this sense of “what’s next?” is not uncommon. I recently conducted a poll on LinkedIn asking project management professionals how they approached this crossroads in their careers. The results? About 38% of respondents chose to transition to a new role—whether that’s climbing the leadership ladder or making a lateral move to leverage transferable skills. Another 30% opted to focus on personal projects, while 28% were eager to tackle bigger, more challenging assignments.
Climbing the leadership ladder. One option is to transition into line management roles. If one is looking to take on more strategic responsibilities, positions like Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, or PMO Manager might be appealing. However, as Peter Drucker famously noted, “In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to their level of incompetence.” Not everyone is naturally suited to leadership, especially when it involves managing people. There’s a risk that the skills that made someone a great project manager may not translate to success in people management. It’s important to consider whether this path aligns with one’s strengths.
Lateral moves for skill transfer. Project management skills are highly transferable to roles like Operations, Business Analysis, or Change Management. This offers a fresh perspective while keeping one close to the project world. However, a lateral move might mean stepping into an unfamiliar domain where one will need to develop new expertise. While this can be a rewarding challenge, the learning curve could feel steep, and it may take time to establish credibility in the new role.
Tackle bigger challenges. If one is craving a deeper sense of achievement, seeking out larger, more complex projects can provide a rewarding sense of accomplishment. But bigger projects come with bigger risks and higher stakes. Is one prepared for the added stress? On the other hand, this strategy can open doors to uncharted opportunities. Take Arnold Schwarzenegger, for example. He didn’t stop at becoming a top actor—he kept pushing until he became the Governor of California. Tackling challenges head-on can lead to unexpected, game-changing results in one’s career, too.
Engage outside of work. Many professionals find renewed purpose by engaging in projects outside of their core job—whether through pro bono work, mentoring, or pursuing long-neglected hobbies. This can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities. For example, after finding fulfillment in charitable endeavors, actor Paul Newman founded Newman’s Own, a successful food company that donates all profits to charity. Similarly, professional shifts like this can reinvigorate one’s passion and even open the door to new career avenues. However, balancing these projects with regular work may require careful time management to avoid burnout.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether it’s stepping up the ladder, making a lateral move, chasing bigger projects, or diving into personal passions—one should ensure it aligns with what keeps them motivated. As the poll results show, professionals take diverse paths. So, why not explore, experiment, and keep things exciting? There’s always more to learn, do, and experience!
