RE: Tech Or Management Beyond Age 39? (Score 1)

My experience in IS/IT includes desktop support, Novell Administration, VB coding, Unix Administration, DB administration, system analysis, information security, enterprise architecture, and project management. After many years, I moved into the management ranks and eventually became a CIO of a major hospital. Long story short: life as IS management is more about applying BROAD technical knowledge to define strategy, start projects, manage budgets, assign and motivate staff. You are removed from the technical coding and administration, sometimes by several levels. Your rewards come from managing staff, resources, and time to solve complex organizational goals in ambiguous business environments. In contrast, life as an IS technician still involves having hands on the keyboard and creating technical solutions that are defined by programming, OS, or other types of rules. You apply DEEP knowledge to problem-soling. Rewards are more concrete; you can get direct evidence of a well-tuned server or database. In the end, you really need to determine what you like best and how it fits your life goals. But do not be afraid to try management and see if it something you like. A year or two of focusing more on management may give you a new appreciation of the technical side of IS. Good luck with your decision.