Stepping Down from Lead Role
Posted by Dramatic-Draw-7890@reddit | ExperiencedDevs | View on Reddit | 22 comments
Background:
I’m entering my third year leading a team of 6 devs. I’ve been at this company for five years and a SWE for 7.5
Current Scenario:
I’m really starting to dislike being a tech lead and would like to go back to being an IC. I like the company, my teammates and my manager but my ability to context switch (which was never great), has really diminished as at-home stress continues to mount (third child incoming shortly). I don’t think being an IC is “easier” per se, but it involves more focused work that my scatterbrain is just better equipped for.
Question:
Has anybody here ever returned to an IC role after leading a team at the same company? I’m not sure how my manager would take it, and considering today’s job market, I don’t want to put myself on the chopping block 12-18 months from now.
Thanks in advance for any insight.
CrafAir1220@reddit
totally fair tbh, a lot of people go back to IC when life gets busy and it’s usually fine if you’re upfront about it
colmose@reddit
Check how the IC and “management” career paths are handled in your company first. Ideally they have a pathway for experienced/“staff” ICs to be properly compensated above that of a more junior management position.
Then talk to your manager about it. Don’t keep it to yourself as they can’t help you if they’re don’t know about it.
CaptainCactus124@reddit
Normally, a tech lead is considered an IC. Are you both working as a lead engineer and managing staff? Or is it more akin to a traditional staff or principal role where you are an IC but lead from a technical standpoint?
Dramatic-Draw-7890@reddit (OP)
I’d say it’s more of Tech Lead/EM hybrid where I’m managing devs’ performance, planning roadmaps with product, responsible for team’s delivery, and still picking up tickets when possible
seyerkram@reddit
So this is where we all are lol.
Our previous manager moved to a new team and for some reason, as the most technically capable in our team (we are all seniors by title), I inherited his responsibilities.
It is so fcking hard babysitting adults. I don’t mind talking to stakeholders and getting things done but everything else is so draining
HolyPommeDeTerre@reddit
Yeah the TLM role is a double hat role. Double the responsibilities on totally different jobs but don't double the resources.
The staff eng book has a mention to that I sent to my EM. Something about TLM being a very hard position.
I stepped down from the management part of the job. Keep TL, remove the M. I could do that because I am hired as a senior, I moved to TLM to help. But as the company wants to have TLM I am being moved to staff instead (I am happy with that).
I honestly like the TL position. Easy, you manage resources not people.
unknown_history_fact@reddit
Yeah, this is usually called Technical Lead Manager. It has the worst parts of being managers and IC.
I moved out from this role and back to full IC as Principal and never been happier.
old-new-programmer@reddit
Holy hell are you me? Only difference is I also have to basically do product and make business decisions with zero advice from anyone above us except "we want X" thing but no budgets or resources to do it.
I would do anything to not be an EM anymore and I'm starting to plan my exit/figure out what I need to train up on for interviews because this is not fun.
I feel your pain.
derekwangsc@reddit
Same shoes, my company did a re-leveling recently and it was said some managers are laterally transited to ICs. But I wasn't part of it, I wish I was.
old-new-programmer@reddit
I’ve been doing this since November of 2024 and I’ve never had worst physical or mental health. I took two days off the other day and they said “how was PTO” like it was a vacation. It was only enough to make me feel human because I was so sick from burnout and now this week I feel sick again.
It’s just awful and there is zero empathy anymore. I’d rather quit the industry all together if I can’t figure out my next move.
derekwangsc@reddit
Yes, and to make thing even worst, ICs have wider pay range than leads at my org but leads have way more responsibilities.
cookingmonster@reddit
You are effectively a Team Lead. Same shoes except that I pick up random tickets for fun once a sprint.
If I told my VP I wanted to go back to IC I'm pretty sure I'd be shown the door soon. Replacing this position is not easy. Good luck to you!
ArgumentFit6708@reddit
sounds like you need a clone
Entire_Compote4148@reddit
context switching really takes a toll on focus
Key_Handle_5049@reddit
sounds like three kids worth of chaos
7107@reddit
At my last job as tech lead I had some EM responsibilities as well.
NotMyRealNameObv@reddit
I recently stepped down from an SW architect role (which was more of a "if you ever have any issue in this area, no matter how trivial, contact this guy" kinda role) to a regular IC role, just as well got access to good AI tools. Never been more productive or happy in this company. Getting my manager to accept the transition wasn't difficult either, they've seen how miserable I've been in my old role.
Far-Income-282@reddit
Ive switched multiple times between staff and IC. Am at FAANG though and am currently Staff / Architect.
I feel like the way I have always played it is "I would like to be more technically involved in project X" - there was always a project I was interested in developing and a clear gap in technical execution, so me joining as hands on made sense.
Maybe you can find a way to spin what you're doing as a passion / career angle over a burn out angle?
Mrob219@reddit
If you get the same salary why not? Let someone else deal with the office politics
tactis1234@reddit
For my company at least TL and Senior engineer are at different levels. The salary band, bonus structure is different so it would basically be impossible to do that.
If you want to pivot I would just leave your company to do that.
nouseforareason@reddit
Not likely to happen at the same company. If they allow it they’ll just wind up demoting you and pay less but you’ll eventually wind up with the same workload since they know you can do the job, just for less pay. As someone that has been in this boat your best bet is to look for a role at another company and then keep your head down. It’s easier and less stressful that way.
wakawakawakachu@reddit
depending on the company (whether they rate TL's as part of your comp package), you may be rated lower on your next calibration round... so keep that in mind.
Personally, I prefer IC route (and at good companies, they'll allow staff to jump between roles as well as provide the appropriate comp for senior, staff and beyond ICs)... However, do note that if you step down, the company may use this as a basis to PIP you if they don't handle this correctly.
Have a talk with your manager and see how it _could_ work. If you're at a good company they'll accommodate, but if you're in a really toxic place, you might be placing yourself on the chopping block.
Always have a plan B before taking any action. (good luck btw)