Just wondering - what kinds of careers are less PM and more execution of defined work?
To me it seems as if PM is germane to a successful IT career. I have been attempting to get better at PM, taking PM courses, using MS Project, writing out tasks on paper and so on. I just seem to have an aversion to the ambiguity of planning out a project.
My dilemma stems from the fact that I am expected to run projects and I prefer to be a support person. I've spoken to my manager and in effect, the requirement before me is to become a better PM or move on.
Sorry to cry on your collective shoulders, but I am at my wit's end to where I'd ask an audience of PMs about their thoughts on non-PM focused careers.
My career foundation is training and I've done very well there, but doing 100% stand up training does not appeal to me. Therefore, I've gotten more into the planning of training courses thinking I'd be a natural at it, but uh-uhh!
Thank you for your suggestions, Jeff Saving Changes...
Jeff, This will require sole searching. PM is an art and a profession of itself. Several fields of professional pass through the PM portal while climbing the ladder. I would suggest to get with a guidance couselor and determine what best fits your desires. Saving Changes...
Jeff, have been through that in the 90's. Had been in training and development and in technology-based training environments.
In fact I left a job and followed my developer instinct and landed in US two years ago. Did a couple of projects and then have been tasked to do project management again.
In my case, the thing about achieving was always solving problems at microscopic level. I started as a developer and trainer in India in the mid 80's. At that time any new program I wrote was an achievement.
After about 10 years in '98 when I was tasked to do PM with a Project Leader role, I had to learn a lot of things. Some of them were in-depth of what I new ( I was comfortable with these). Some of them were total contrast to what I believed ( The PM Vs. Developer thoughts).
But when I had to face end-users who are/were decision makers but not very computer-savvy I found that the PM role fitted more easily.
Now-a-days I play double role, I lead team of developers to satisfy my hidden passion, I also tend to communicate with my manager and end-users with the role of a Project leader and PM. Saving Changes...
There is only one person who can answer your question...you!
I recently went through this, where my employer was pushing me in a direction I really didn't want to be (selling too much)...so what did I do? I quit! Well...it certainly wasn't that simple...I did the sole searching to determine what it is I really wanted long term. For me it was getting back on the PM route my employer was dragging me away from. Once I knew what I wanted, I needed to figure out if my employer could provide what I needed...they couldn't...so I went looking. I haven't regretted that for a minute!
I think you're in the same position as I was. If you're not happy with what you have, or will have...quit! Go find something that will provide you what you want! You might even be surprised to find your present employer becoming more attentive to your NEEDS once they realize how serious this problem is for you.
It's your career and future...take charge of it! Go after what YOU want, not what your employer wants!
I was just there myself as well. One area to consider is Operations Management. If your company (or others) are looking for an OM, there are opportunities there to be less involved with "ambiguous" project detailing and more involved with fire fighting and problem solving for existing systems. I did this as an OM for a Sun/Solaris web product, and with just a bit of organizational skills, most of my time was spent leading a team of two admin and putting out daily fires. It was quite exhilirating and fast paced.
As I read through these posts, I was amazed to find two people who referenced "sole searching". The correct word is "soul". Sole is from the same latin root as solo and solitary, clearly not the correct word. Credibility is enhanced with solid writing and grammar skills.
p.s. I also agree that the individual who is being pulled in a direction that he/she is uncomfortable with should follow their heart. Don't go where you don't want to. Saving Changes...
Thanks to each of you for responding, from the author of the original post. I appreciate that fact that you took the time to read and respond. As far as heart and soul and sole are concerned, I am seeking to follow what I sense is the right direction. I still do not know what that is yet, but I do know that it is not in the job I am currently in - I am leaving it soon. As far as the "writing skills" are concerned (see last post), I did notice, but I noticed even more the spirit of the responses. It's quite interesting too that when I first read "sole searching," I read it as a double entendre and entertained the fact that it could be taken as "hitting the pavement and searching for a new job by the soles of my feet" since leaving this job and working elsewhere is what I thought I'd end up doing anyway. Well, I guess both meanings do apply.
Thanks each of you and all the best in your careers and lives...
