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developer-tools engineering-management career-advice tech-leadership

Don't become an engineering manager

newsletter.manager.dev

March 3, 2026

5 min read

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65/100

Summary

Engineering Manager roles can provide valuable skills and experience, even for those not pursuing a management career. However, some professionals advise against accepting these positions due to potential drawbacks.

Key Takeaways

The role of Engineering Manager (EM) is becoming less appealing due to the competitive nature of promotions and fewer opportunities for advancement in flattened organizational structures.
AI coding tools are context-blind and can generate code that does not adhere to established conventions, leading to increased rework and inefficiencies.
Compensation for Engineering Managers can be lower than that of Senior or Staff Engineers at other companies, challenging the assumption that management roles pay more.
Transitioning to an EM role may limit opportunities for experimentation and personal growth in technology, as managerial responsibilities often consume time and resources.

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Community Sentiment

Negative

Concerns

Many developers are unprepared for the people management and HR responsibilities that come with engineering management roles, leading to dissatisfaction and burnout.
The perception that managers have more power and visibility can create a divide between technologists and managers, which may demotivate technical staff.
The competitive nature of moving into management roles often leads to fewer opportunities for technical advancement, which can discourage skilled developers from pursuing their passion.