I have 18 years IT experience as Developer,team lead,Manager(initial) Have done fairly well in career so far. Over past few years NOT enjoying handling teams especially, daily scrums etc,(agile etc). In new job which I switched in 2021 consciously took a developer role. Very happy with this role, but issue is after some time companies expect you to lead teams even if you start afresh as developer. As current job contract coming to end, have to again look for a new one. I have reduced my experience to 11 years (as at 18 years, no one will give senior developer roles). My tech stack is Microsoft .Net. Financially I am good, and no dependents. Ready to take a pay cut. What other career options/ line of work can I do? Wish to remain in IT ? To summarize, I wish to remain an individual contributor.

Ans: It’s great to hear that you have 18 years of experience in IT and have done well in your career so far. It’s also good to know that you are happy with your current role as a senior developer. If you wish to remain an individual contributor, there are several career options that you can consider within the IT industry.

Technical Architect: As a technical architect, you will be responsible for designing and implementing complex software systems. You will work closely with developers and other stakeholders to ensure that the system meets the business requirements and is scalable, secure, and maintainable.

Data Scientist: As a data scientist, you will be responsible for analyzing large datasets to identify patterns and trends. You will use statistical and machine learning techniques to develop predictive models that can be used to make informed business decisions.

DevOps Engineer: As a DevOps engineer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the infrastructure that supports the software development process. You will work closely with developers to ensure that the software is deployed and tested efficiently and reliably.

Technical Writer: As a technical writer, you will be responsible for creating documentation that explains complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. You will work closely with developers and other stakeholders to ensure that the documentation is accurate and up-to-date.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer: As a software quality assurance engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring that the software meets the required quality standards. You will work closely with developers to identify and fix defects in the software.

These are just a few examples of the many career options available to you as an experienced IT professional. I hope this helps you in your search for a fulfilling career. If you have any further questions or concerns, please let me know.

Ans: Hello,

It's great to hear about your extensive IT experience and your awareness of your preferences in terms of work roles. Transitioning away from management and focusing on individual contribution is a valid choice that aligns with your career satisfaction. There are several paths you can explore within the IT field that allow you to remain an individual contributor and leverage your technical skills and experience. Here are a few options to consider:

Technical Specialist/Architect: As a technical specialist or architect, you can dive deep into specific technologies, frameworks, or domains. You'll be responsible for designing complex systems, solving intricate technical challenges, and providing guidance to development teams. This role lets you stay close to the technical aspects of projects without being directly involved in people management.

Subject Matter Expert (SME): SMEs are highly knowledgeable individuals in a specific area. You can become an SME in a particular programming language, technology stack, or domain. This role involves mentoring others, providing technical expertise, and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in your chosen area.

Technical Evangelist/Advocate: If you're passionate about certain technologies or tools, becoming a technical evangelist allows you to promote and advocate for them within the industry. This role often involves speaking at conferences, writing technical articles, and engaging with the developer community.

Consultant: As a consultant, you can offer your expertise to various companies on a project basis. You'll work on different projects, offer technical solutions, and collaborate with teams to implement best practices.

Principal Engineer: In this role, you become a senior-level individual contributor who influences technical direction, makes architectural decisions, and guides the development process. It's a role that emphasizes technical leadership and mentorship.

Freelancing/Contracting: If you enjoy the flexibility of work, you can consider freelancing or contracting. You'll have the freedom to choose projects that align with your interests and skills while maintaining your status as an individual contributor.

Open Source Contributor: Contributing to open source projects can be a fulfilling way to leverage your skills while collaborating with a global community of developers. It allows you to work on projects that interest you and make a broader impact.

Technical Writer/Trainer: If you have a knack for explaining complex technical concepts, you might consider becoming a technical writer or trainer. You can create documentation, tutorials, or online courses to educate others in the IT field.

It's important to communicate your career aspirations clearly to potential employers to ensure that you're considered for roles that match your preferences. By pursuing one of these paths, you can continue to thrive in the IT industry while focusing on what you enjoy most – technical expertise and individual contribution.

Regards,
Abhishek Shah

Ans: Hello

It is indeed difficult to keep pace with changin technology, but unfortunately that is the reality. The advantage you have is being hands on for all these years in tech. I would suggest you learn a few of the new age languages (javascript / python) and then become hands on by taking up freelancing assignments from odesk.com upworks.com freelancer.com (probably for a year or two) and then re-apply - there are a lot of opportunities to earn for good engineers with actual tech-hard-skills.

All the best