Being a Manager Sucks

Recent graduates and entry-level employees often step into the workforce with an eye on moving into management. The thinking is that with a management title comes more money, respect, and power—but that’s not always the case. Being a middle manager comes with its own set of frustrations. Before setting your sights on the corner office, keep the following things about management in mind.

1. You realize how little power you really have.

The majority of ideas that you wish to implement must be approved by your managers. An inordinate amount of time is spent selling top management on changes. This major hierarchical stumbling block sets you up with all of the responsibility without any of the authority. Plus, it’s a time drainer that takes you away from the work that has to get done.

2. You realize you still need to do your old job too.

Many people push for a promotion so that they can earn more money, show advancement on their resume, and ultimately have more power. If you ask enough times, many employers will give you the manager job you desire. The problem is there is often no one to step in to do your old job. Especially in a down economy, middle managers are often expected to do more with less.

Read the rest of my post at U.S. News and World Report.



Comments

[Tiger Beer]

Perhaps, it just goes to show that along with success are the responsibilities that you should never fail to make.

[Corey Witt]

Hi Andrew,

Employees can certainly feel like they've hit a career pothole with middle-management jobs for the exact reasons why you stated. I find that the best route to navigate past these potholes is the realize a middle management job is just one step in a career path and to focus on larger goals ahead.

- Corey Witt
Urban Interns
http://www.urbaninterns.com