I am happiest when I'm an individual contributor... but I spend most of my time managing, alas. I'm not sure how to reconcile the two!
Are you an individual contributor, or a manager? Which do you prefer?
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I have been a manager but I don't think I'm nice/patient enough for the job--doesn't bring out the best in me. (why don't people just do things right?) I don't manage anyone now; I work for several people but they are very non-confrontational so basically I do what I want. (of course, I always do things right!)
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Individual contributor! I'm not sure if I'd like a management position! I'm in sales so I really work alone.
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have you ever noticed you use the word "alas" a lot? It's funny as I don't hear it often
I love being a manager! Even in high school I CRAVED management positions, I finally got my first manager position when I was 21 but it didn't last long because the job itself was awful, then I became a SAHM!
Eventually I'd love to get back into managing when I start working again someday.
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@Mrs. Pen: Yup... not much I can do about it though, alas.
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Individual contributor. I managed one individual at my last job and it was one too many. I longed for the day I could go back to just being a worker. I handle it much better!
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I totally prefer being a worker bee. DH is a really fantastic manager.
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Somehow I always find myself a manager.
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I was a manager for 7 years. I hated it. I hated being responsible for other people, and I hated that my job performance was measured by how well the people I managed were performing. I eventually gave that up to get a job where I am an individual contributor, and I have never ever been happier.
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At work I prefer to be an individual contributor so I can avoid drama and excessive stress. I am much happier working freelance and helping as I can.
At home however, I am the manager- I organize and keep track of many responsibilities.
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I am a manager but tend to do a lot in regards of individual contributions. I do a lot of individual projects but have other people who do tasks at my request.
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I'm a manager. It's funny, when I'm a manager I miss being an individual contributer, but when I'm an individual contributer, I miss managing!
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I much prefer being an individual contributor... I'm really good at getting my work done and done well. I hate being in positions of management (alas, I'm in project management so there's no way to completely avoid it)... I really don't like being the one dictating what people do/don't do.
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I hate being a manager! I did it for a few years and quickly moved on.
PS - I think the "alas" is cute because Mrs. Bee always uses it, too!
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I prefer to manage, I hate being managed.
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@Mrs. High Heels: I'm also a project manager. While I generally like to manage, there are times I hate being a project manager when I feel like I'm just making sure people do their job (so that the project is successful). Any tips that have helped you find success in this area?
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I am a manager and sometimes I wish I wasn't but I don't want a salary cut!
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I'm an individual contributor and vastly prefer it, I wouldn't want to deal with all the stress of being a manager.
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I'm a manager, and wouldn't mind it so much if things were done correctly the first time. I hate having to give repeat review comments. I don't mind reminding you 5 times as long as I see improvement elsewhere because I understand there's a learning curve (I'm an auditor so writing styles and testing techniques are a "learned" thing). However, if it's the same darn thing after 3 times (system is called BPS but you write PBS or don't spell check - dude, just hit F7 and it spells check for you!!), I start getting frustrated and really want to just do it myself since it's wasting both of our time!
I like being a contributor though because your productivity and value added work can really be put on display so there's some self-pride with that accomplishment!
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18 comments