Ask HN: Stuck as a developer for 15 years. How to become a manager?

(As a CTO coach, I'd say book a coach but ...)

Tell your boss. If they don't know there is no chance to be promoted. Ask what it takes to be promoted.

Know the boss of your boss. Only they can promote you to the same level as your boss. Your boss usually can't (Most important promotion tip).

Try to get some management into your job title for no salary increase. This makes it easier to switch jobs and be hired into a management role.

Try to become co-founder (CTO) in a small startup.

Found a startup on your own, easiest way to get the CTO title. Build for one year, close the startup if it doesn't work.

This is transitory. I get it, but it only stings now because you're not that old yet, so you feel you should be in that fight. A few years more and it's typical for the manager to be younger, nobody has the population pyramid for seniority promotions anymore.

It helps to get somewhat out of the ladder and go freelance or similar. It ends up being very very similar, but in your head you're on a different track.

The idea that when you grow up you go up in rank. And if you have younger people who are above you, and you have not moved up at all, then you feel like you’re not performing well.

I think this feeling is artificial and externally influenced. Some of us are made to do work. Others are made to oversee. They are both equal in rank. Just different set of skill.

There's a short book I like called The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday that talks about dealing with adversity like this.

The secret is to take full responsibility for your situation. Nobody will be more invested in your success than you are.

Ask yourself - why do you feel stagnant, and what can you do about it?

For example, talking to your manager about it, making a plan and working toward a promotion as an IC, taking over a struggling project and leading it to success, or transitioning into leading a team.

If it's changing jobs, take responsibility for understanding your goals and finding a role that fits.

And don't lie, that stuff catches up to you.

Learning the skills is a beginning. Take notes during meetings, share them with the group. Engage your manager in planning, through questions or adding information. Give considerate feedback.