>but I don't know of a really practical alternative for those whose satisfaction doesn't need improvement other than to play the game within the system we all inevitably must deal with
well, the obvious factoid I feel most of this topic is missing is simply talking with your direct point of contact. If you're at a smaller company and they want to make you a lead for some new project, then sure. Maybe that's a cue to use your fuck-you funds for a bit. Those companies by default have an implicit expectations that someone is gonna be wearing multiple hats. It's not for everyone, especially those who want to lay low.
But other companies have IC paths specifically to avoid this issue. Those tend to be good companies since they are the (sadly) few that understand that not all workers make good managers. So yes, be honest. And if you realize management isn't... well, that's why you have fuck you money.
I see no reason to pre-emptively close off and start scanning the job market without at least asking for a raise, or insisting to not be made a lead, or whatever issue you have. Unless of course, the people you work with/under are simply incompatible with you or outright hostile.
well, the obvious factoid I feel most of this topic is missing is simply talking with your direct point of contact. If you're at a smaller company and they want to make you a lead for some new project, then sure. Maybe that's a cue to use your fuck-you funds for a bit. Those companies by default have an implicit expectations that someone is gonna be wearing multiple hats. It's not for everyone, especially those who want to lay low.
But other companies have IC paths specifically to avoid this issue. Those tend to be good companies since they are the (sadly) few that understand that not all workers make good managers. So yes, be honest. And if you realize management isn't... well, that's why you have fuck you money.
I see no reason to pre-emptively close off and start scanning the job market without at least asking for a raise, or insisting to not be made a lead, or whatever issue you have. Unless of course, the people you work with/under are simply incompatible with you or outright hostile.