Supervisors/managers - is it worth the extra stress?

[Twoblueruins]

I work in marketing and there isn’t much available in terms of progression where I work unless I move to team supervisor or manager… part of me really wants to progress and make more money, but another part doesn’t want to be responsible for other people and I like how in my role I’m left to get on with things.

I have a young child as well and generally exhausted which is why I’m questioning if I even want to apply for those type of roles.

How do you find it? Is it worth making that move?

I 'fell' into management - I don't hate it but the extra responsibility and stress isn't worth it imo. I was never destined for great wealth and responsibility and I wouldn't have taken the promotions had I known what I know now. I wish I'd stayed a worker bee!

I've managed teams and now prefer to be a worker bee. Came to a point where I did not want to be responsible for other people. I especially would not want to manage a team in this day and age and if you like being left to your own devices, I'd stay as you are.

I enjoy managing people and helping them develop. It's probably not true in your first managerial position, but now as a senior manager, with well trained and supported staff, I don't really do much actual work (shhhh...)

I am always very clear that I retain the responsibility though, so it depends how you'd deal with that. When things go wrong that's down to me. When things go well, I make sure to give the credit to the staff.

For me it depends how much money you would get / how many other doors would be opened in the long run from taking the role.

You could always apply and do the job for a while to see how you get on and drop back down if you don’t like it.

It's fine when things are going smoothly and can be extremely rewarding when you feel like you've made a difference and you can see people grow, however when things are not going well (eg performance issues, team conflict, crisis management) then I personally found that extremely stressful to the point of deciding to leave. This is in spite of feedback that I was a very good manager.
I've now swapped for a job that pays the same but I don't have to manage anyone and can just do my own thing. Bliss.
I'd consider managing 1 or 2 people in the future but not more than that.

I demanded huge wedges of extra cash whenever I got a new line managee!

I think it's ok though, IF you're allowed to work within a management framework that's both clear and flexible.

I ditched the tedious 121 framework, because I'd hated being on the receiving end of it and saw no reason to impose it on other people. My current line manager does the bare minimum on such forms

I'm in the same boat, only progression involves line managing at least 3-4 people, and only for a minimal salary increase. It also would mean taking responsibility for their work if they're on leave, sick etc, as our roles involve external deadlines. I'm expecting my first and I honestly can't see myself going for promotion any time soon. I got stung a few years ago managing someone who was dreadful and having to go through hoops to get rid of them, it's really put me off.