Individual contributor vs. Manager role: which path is right for you?

On this page, we explore the ‘management vs individual contributor’ question in detail including:

• What's the difference between an individual contributor and a manager?
• Individual contributors
• Managers
• How to move from a manager to an individual contributor?
• But what does a switch to an individual contributor path look like at a senior level?
• Is an individual contributor or manager a better career option for you?

To ensure you’re getting the most detailed insight on which path would work best for you – we’ve included the insights of Chrys Ramoso – Lead UX Consultant, and Roman Scheidegger – Principal Software Architect.

Both currently follow individual contributor career paths at Zühlke but have first-hand experience working in management positions too – you can jump straight to their insight here. 

What's the difference between an individual contributor and a manager?

Understanding the differences between an individual contributor vs manager is the first step towards finding which path is best for you

At Zühlke, we also help our individual contributors grow by connecting them with projects in new domains. For example, applying the skills learnt on a banking project to the energy sector. 

This is in addition to ‘stretch’ roles which allow individual contributors to learn by working in a role adjacent to their core role. For example, a software architect taking on a product owner role.
If you want to learn more about what it’s involved in being an individual contributor including the core skills needed – check out our dedicated page on that very subject.

How to move from a manager to an individual contributor

There’s a lot of information on moving into a managerial position, a switch that’s often not spoken about is going from manager to individual contributor. To help understand the benefits of this, we’ve unpacked the advice of two Zühlke employees who’ve made the transition and had rewarding careers because of it.  

Chrys Ramoso is a Lead UX Consultant, and Roman Scheidegger is a Principal Software Architect – both currently follow individual contributor career paths at Zühlke. Chrys started as a UI designer and followed a traditional management path before moving from manager to individual contributor.

“I wasn’t actively trying to become a ‘People Lead’ but I was getting more managerial responsibilities. I learned a lot from this but I was open to being an individual contributor from Day One.”

Despite enjoying leadership roles, Chrys found that switching back to an individual contributor role appealed more to her profile.

But what does a switch to an individual contributor path look like at a senior level?

Roman joined Zühlke in 2014 as a Lead Architect. Over two stints at the organisation he’s held fully managerial-focused, fully individual contributor-focused, and hybrid software roles. 
He has previously made the switch from individual contributor to a People Lead, and also the other way around – and as he explains, it isn’t always easy.

“There have been times when I struggled,” he says. “It was like two different worlds, running at two different paces. Thankfully I learnt to manage that pace.”

But Roman’s experience with these changes has led him to a major realisation: just because you stop becoming a traditional manager, doesn’t mean you have to stop progressing.

Is an individual contributor or manager a better career option for you?

If you’re weighing up the choice of manager or individual contributor for the first time, Chrys and Roman's advice is clear – think carefully about your reasoning for either.

“If you’re pursuing a management-based role, question whether you have an inherent interest in enabling a team, and curiosity about what you can achieve,” Roman says. 
Chrys points out that being a People Lead at Zühlke takes a lot of time and focus. 

“Being a People Lead requires certain soft and hard skills that complement the role, including lots of empathy and time management. Even here, where they offer plenty of People Lead training and a good support system, I’d urge colleagues not to go into it blindly.” 

At Zühlke, a majority of People Leads are also individual contributors for a part of their role. We ask Roman if the two roles can complement one another.

“Being a People Lead enriches your experience as an individual contributor – because you can stay hands-on with projects whilst also helping to shape the company outside of your project work.”

And while figuring out which one is right for you can be tricky, the best organisations will help guide your own instincts.

“You can generally identify the most suitable candidates for management, and the most suitable candidates for individual contributors, over time,” Chrys says.