Some People Aren't Cut Out to Be Managers — And That's Okay. Here's What You Can Do Instead. It is possible to climb the career ladder in other ways. All you need to do is be self-aware and look for career opportunities in other areas.

The idea of taking on a management role appeals to some people. These are typically natural leaders who enjoy providing one-on-one feedback, are adept at seeing the big picture, know how to steer a team, and possess other managerial qualities.

Nevertheless, not everyone experiences this.

In the aftermath of the Great Resignation, more experienced mid-level employees are not only leaving their companies than ever before. However, they are also taking into account the quality of a meaningful career. People are now ranking energized and having purpose higher than compensation when it comes to professional happiness, according to an Indeed.com study.

I can see how that makes sense. In 2022, nearly 5% of all managers planned to leave their jobs, up from 3.8% in 2021. Stress at work was cited as the main reason. A manager's job is to confront under-performers, make unpopular decisions, fire employees and implement layoffs. In addition, the decision always rests on your shoulders.

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There's always the possibility that you're just not suited to management. And, that's alright. It is possible to climb the career ladder in other ways. All you need to do is be self-aware and look for career opportunities in other areas.

Become an indispensable person.

If you choose not to pursue people management, what should you do first? Become an expert in your field.

However, defining expertise formally isn't always so straightforward. It is important to note that experts at this level can be referred to by any number of terms, such as:

• Authority
• Genius
• Maven
• Master
• Prodigy
• Virtuoso

In such a case, the individual has achieved the pinnacle of their profession. Those fields might include academics, writing, art, sports, music, science, or mathematics. Nevertheless, depending on the context, each word tends to convey a certain type of expertise.

Regardless of how you define expert, never miss out on an opportunity to learn. You might consider reading blogs and books, finding a mentor, or asking your boss about professional courses.

Additionally, you should increase your knowledge as a habit rather than as a one-time endeavor. You can expect your area of expertise to change and evolve throughout your career. Overall, it's imperative that you stay inquisitive, always be on the ball, and be eager to learn more if you want to stay relevant and in the know.

Additionally, experts tend to achieve much more than average people. In addition to their knowledge and skills, they also apply their talents and know-how.

Related: Being an Expert Isn't Enough. Be an Authority to Reach More People and Make More Money

Make your reputation stand out.

Be proactive in marketing your expertise — both within your organization and across your wider industry or network. Your CV and professional profiles should be constantly updated with advancements in your expertise, at the very least.

How else can you establish a strong reputation? Well, here are some pointers to get the ball rolling.

• Self-promote on social media. Start establishing your online reputation by connecting with the right people within and outside your organization. For example, get involved in industry forums by sharing relevant content. In addition, blogging is a great way to demonstrate your expertise, as well as build a targeted audience.
• Find speaking opportunities. Face-to-face interaction is more effective than hiding behind a keyboard. Keep an eye out for opportunities to speak at team meetings, conferences, or industry events.
• Train others. There is no better way to demonstrate your knowledge and build your reputation within your current company than to speak to new starters or other departments.
• Don't be afraid to share your ideas. Think outside the box in terms of generating and sharing ideas, not only for your immediate role but also for the broader organization. You will demonstrate that you can think outside the box and see the big picture like a true expert.

It is possible to establish yourself as an expert in your field both within and outside of your organization. As a result, you will be prepared for the next steps along your non-people management journey.

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You can say "no" politely.

One of the simplest ways to avoid the management track? If you are offered a job that involves management, don't accept it. If you're already employed, you can still say "no" to the managerial position.

Even if these opportunities are at your current position, you'll want to be thoughtful and polite about turning them down. To accomplish this:

• Be grateful. Getting promoted by your company is flattering, so you should accept the praise gratefully.
• Provide an explanation. Don't be coy. Instead, tell the truth about why you would rather not pursue that career path. In response, you may find the person who wants to promote you offers you some relief.

Related: How to Say No to Anyone Without Feeling Guilty

Don't ask for a promotion, ask for a raise.

A key part of your job is showing your value at work. Therefore, you can ask for a raise rather than a promotion.

Keeping a record of your biggest accomplishments will prove your value. How? By making sure your work is visible. Examples of these include meeting deadlines, securing clients, and executing key tasks for the company.

As a result, you will be able to demonstrate your real value where you are. Moreover, this demonstrates that a management position wouldn't be suitable for you.

Look for opportunities outside of your organization.

Those interested in non-people management careers may consider the following options if they cannot advance their careers in their current company. Whether it's an increase in responsibility, income, or professional development, these all offer career advancement in some form.

Change organizations.

A lateral move to a bigger or more prestigious company looks great on your CV instead of a promotion. There may be more advancement opportunities for them without requiring them to lead a team. A project manager, for example, may take on incremental responsibilities over time. It is possible for you to become a manager in the future if you learn the company culture well.

One more thing. Whenever you are searching for a job, avoid companies with a "move up or move out" mentality. The reason? These companies conclude that workers are not a good match if they are not promoted to higher-level positions.

Consider interviewing at companies with a flat hierarchy, where management levels are removed, during your job hunt instead of traditional companies with a hierarchy.

Related: 11 Biggest Job Interview Myths Debunked

Consulting may be an option.

You don't have to worry about traditional people management responsibilities when you are your own boss. By consulting, contracting, or freelancing, you can control your work without being overly scrutinized by employees or senior leaders. For jobs like copywriting and graphic design that doesn't require much teamwork, this works especially well.

Take on the role of an independent contractor.

As a contractor, you will have more time to focus on the skills for which you were hired. Further, you can apply these skills more consciously for your future contracts if you are diligent about them.

Establish yourself as an influencer.

When you are an expert, people will listen to what you have to say. They will download your podcasts, buy your books, and attend events where you speak. In the process of gaining knowledge in depth, this becomes the ultimate indicator. However, this will take time, so be patient.

Keep in mind that every influencer started out the same way you did.

Work for a startup or small company.

In startups and smaller companies, employees often have big titles and small teams. In some companies, the "chief financial officer" may be the only person working on the financials.

Don't change a thing.

You might not be done with your current role yet — even if you don't want to be a manager. It is common for someone to plateau after a few years in a position. However, if you're enjoying your job and it's challenging and fulfilling, you're probably not ready to take on management responsibilities.

The fear of becoming a manager may arise when you are bored with your current job or are more confident with your skills as a manager.