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Like many professionals, I’ve worn the manager hat a few times in my career.
I first became a manager when I was a tour guide at my college. Then, after graduating, I managed a small team as a section editor at a content marketing agency, and eventually ran an entire content department at another agency.
Each of these management roles came with more money and more responsibility—a classic trade-off that sometimes felt worth it, and other times… not so much.
It turns out I’m not alone in having mixed feelings about management roles.
Recent research from Robert Walters shows that 52% of Gen-Z professionals don’t want to take on middle management positions. Many young professionals are questioning whether the traditional “climb the corporate ladder” shtick is right for them.
And they might be onto something. While management positions often come with better compensation and more influence, they also bring unique challenges that aren’t for everyone. Some roles I took on were fantastic opportunities for growth, while others taught me hard lessons about what I really wanted from my career.
In this article, I’ll break down the realities of becoming a manager—both the good and the challenging. We’ll explore what the role actually involves, help you decide if it’s right for you, and if it is, show you how to become a manager sooner rather than later.
The benefits of moving into management
Let’s talk about why anyone becomes a manager in the first place. The perks can be substantial―if you’re willing to take on the extra responsibility that comes with them.
Managers get better compensation
Let’s get the obvious perk out of the way—money.
Management positions typically come with a significant bump in base salary. While the exact increase varies by industry and company, you can usually expect at least a 15-20% raise when stepping into your first management role.
But the real financial perks often come from the incentives managers get on top of their base salary. Management positions frequently include better bonus structures, profit sharing, and stock options. Some companies even offer special benefits packages exclusively to management-level employees.
Opportunities for professional development
Beyond the money, management roles can help you advance your career. You’ll develop new skills in leadership, strategy, and communication that make you more valuable to your current and future employers.
Your professional network often expands dramatically too. As a manager, you’ll interact with leadership from other departments, gaining visibility across the organization. This broader network can lead to even better opportunities down the line.
Job security and autonomy
Job security tends to improve in management positions. While no job is completely safe, companies typically try to retain their managers during downsizing. They’ve invested in developing you as a leader, and good managers are harder to replace than individual contributors.
You’ll also gain more control over your work life. Most management positions come with more workplace flexibility—managers might be allowed to work from home more often, for example, or have more control over their working hours.
Another common benefit is more autonomy at work. You’ll get to weigh in on company-wide decisions, and the ideas you share will be more likely to come to fruition because of your advanced role.
The challenges of management life
According to the same Robert Walters study, 69% of Gen-Z professionals believe management roles are too stressful for too little reward. Their hesitation makes sense―the challenges of management are real and substantial.
Before you spend too much time figuring out how to become a manager, think about these potential downsides to management roles.
Your schedule gets complicated
Management positions fill up your calendar fast. While non-management workers focus mostly on their own tasks, managers spend hours in meetings, responding to challenges, providing training, and handling team issues.
Many managers find themselves working longer hours, not because it’s required, but because that’s what it takes to get everything done. Starting early to prep for meetings or staying late to handle issues becomes routine if you aren’t careful.
Even if you do your best to maintain professional boundaries, you may find that as a manager, your phone is ringing more often on weekends and after hours.
Workplace relationships shift
The dynamic with coworkers changes once you become their manager. Professional boundaries require some distance from former peers, which can mean fewer casual lunches and after-work gatherings.
You’ll also find yourself in the middle, between your team and upper management. The role requires advocating for your team while implementing decisions from above―even unpopular ones.
If you aren’t someone who handles conflict well, then this may be an untenable position for you.
More responsibility means more pressure
As a manager, your success depends largely on other people’s work. When someone on your team misses a deadline or makes a mistake, you’re ultimately responsible.
You’ll also face more scrutiny from higher-ups. They track your team’s metrics, budget management, and leadership effectiveness. Every decision affects not just your work but your whole team’s performance.
Difficult conversations become part of your job description. You’ll need to handle performance issues, salary negotiations, and sometimes even layoffs. These conversations never get easier―you just get better at having them.
Are you ready to become a manager? Ask yourself these questions
I’m going to give you some tips on how to become a manager, but before we go there, let’s make sure it’s the right path for you.
Here are six questions to ask yourself as you mull over this decision:
Will the pay increase be worth it?
If the management position comes with more responsibility, it should also come with a raise. If it doesn’t, that’s a red flag—the company may just want you to do extra work for no reward. It may still be worth it for the experience and the way the job looks on your resume, but proceed with caution and question why there’s no monetary compensation.
If it does come with a raise, do your research to make sure your new rates are comparable to industry standards. Compare your potential pay bump not just to your current salary, but to what you could make as a senior non-manager. Sometimes, you may be better off financially working as a technical expert or in a non-traditional job, like freelancing or direct sales.
How does your company treat its managers?
Look at how your organization supports its management team. Do they provide training and resources? Do managers seem overwhelmed and unsupported, or do they have the tools they need to succeed? Talk to current managers about their experience transitioning into leadership. All of this will help you visualize what your own future as a manager might look like.
Are you ready to stop doing your current job?
Many new managers are surprised to discover they rarely perform their old job duties anymore. Your days will fill up with meetings, employee development, and administrative tasks. If you love your current work, consider whether you’re ready to step away from it.
How do you handle workplace conflict?
Management involves regular conflict resolution―between team members, with other departments, and sometimes with your own bosses. Consider how you typically handle disagreements at work. If you tend to avoid conflict, you’ll need to develop new skills to succeed in management.
If this is a skill you want to work on, here are some resources that will help:
Do you actually enjoy teaching others?
A huge part of management involves training and developing your team members. Be honest―do you find satisfaction in helping others improve their skills? Or do you prefer to focus on your own work and development?
What’s really driving your interest in management?
Examine your true motivation for pursuing management. If it’s mainly about status or feeling stuck in your current role, consider whether there might be better ways to achieve your goals. The best managers typically have a genuine interest in leading and developing others.
How to become a manager
If you’ve asked yourself the questions above and decided you do want to pursue management, here are the concrete steps you can take to make the transition into management more likely.
Build a foundation of professionalism
Before anyone considers you for management, you need to demonstrate consistent professionalism. Show up on time, meet your deadlines, communicate clearly, and maintain a positive attitude―these aren’t bonuses, they’re the baseline for leadership consideration.
Take on responsibilities beyond your role
Don’t wait for someone to promote you to start acting like a manager. Look for opportunities to support your team members, coordinate projects, or improve processes. When your colleague is struggling with a task, offer to help them work through it.
Volunteer for projects that no one else wants to handle. Taking ownership of challenging situations shows leadership potential and helps you develop crucial management skills.
Document your successes
Start building your case for promotion now. Keep track of projects you’ve led, problems you’ve solved, and improvements you’ve implemented. Include specific metrics whenever possible.
Create a running document of your achievements. Note when you’ve trained others, resolved conflicts, or found ways to save the company time or money. These examples will prove invaluable when making your case for a management role.
Build a stronger relationship with your manager
Your current manager can be your biggest advocate―or your biggest obstacle―to promotion. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss your career goals and get feedback on your leadership potential.
Ask for their advice about growing into management. Many managers appreciate being viewed as mentors and will take a more active interest in your development.
Here are more resources to help you negotiate your way into a management role:
Becoming a manager isn’t the only path to career growth, but if it aligns with your goals and abilities, it can be incredibly rewarding. Take your time with the decision, prepare thoroughly, and when you’re ready―go for it. Your future team will thank you for putting in this thought and preparation.