Top Age for Technology Experts
As I am rebranding myself, I started thinking about what I will be like in 5 or 10 years. Chances are... not being a SharePoint expert... at least not in the same form I am now. One of the reason I teach others SharePoint is because I want to make sure someone can do the job once I move to my next phase in life. There are of course other reasons I teach, but as my wife puts it, I teach myself out of a job. I do. That is my mission.
I digress, where will I be in 5 to 10 years? I may move more towards a management role, or maybe kick off one of the myriad of other businesses I still haven't given away. I could also go to college and... oh, who am I kidding, that will never happen. I could put a little effort into Squeaky Clean Soaps (but I would likely ruin it for Andi). I could teach full time... which is not a bad idea.
So why not continue doing SharePoint? There is an age ceiling for technology professionals. I don't think it is right. I have seen people age past the ceiling just fine on legacy systems, but when it comes to cutting edge technology, the truth is, there is a ceiling. When you see a 55 year old man walk into the room to discuss the newest business solution using the latest cutting edge software, it is unusual... and often the room of people have already had misconceptions as to whether or not he is able to properly articulate the solution.
I realize this topic may be taboo. I realize that it may be stereotyping. But I am running up close to that top number and honestly, I expect it to happen. I personally have been in meetings reading the body language and many younger people will often look at the 57 year old technology professional wearing a suit and assume that she is the project manager, the communications person, or the sponsor and look surprised to find out she is the subject matter expert. Then when she finally does providing input, the younger generation looks for holes.
So what about salaries? Yes, they would likely top out as well. All of that experience would be "better used as director of the group" or "provide valuable project management". Yet, I have worked with a woman who blew away any management opportunities because she loved the technology side. Unfortunately, she was at the top of her salary model and the only increase the company will allow is into management. No growth once you reach the top on the tech side.
What about me? I can stay technical for now. I expect to be this way for another 2.5 years and after that... who knows. I can usually make total migrations within a year. Maybe I will go back to project management. Maybe I will see if there are growth opportunities in TEKsystems. But for now, I am just working to make my client's SharePoint 2013 migration as smooth as possible.
I digress, where will I be in 5 to 10 years? I may move more towards a management role, or maybe kick off one of the myriad of other businesses I still haven't given away. I could also go to college and... oh, who am I kidding, that will never happen. I could put a little effort into Squeaky Clean Soaps (but I would likely ruin it for Andi). I could teach full time... which is not a bad idea.
So why not continue doing SharePoint? There is an age ceiling for technology professionals. I don't think it is right. I have seen people age past the ceiling just fine on legacy systems, but when it comes to cutting edge technology, the truth is, there is a ceiling. When you see a 55 year old man walk into the room to discuss the newest business solution using the latest cutting edge software, it is unusual... and often the room of people have already had misconceptions as to whether or not he is able to properly articulate the solution.
I realize this topic may be taboo. I realize that it may be stereotyping. But I am running up close to that top number and honestly, I expect it to happen. I personally have been in meetings reading the body language and many younger people will often look at the 57 year old technology professional wearing a suit and assume that she is the project manager, the communications person, or the sponsor and look surprised to find out she is the subject matter expert. Then when she finally does providing input, the younger generation looks for holes.
So what about salaries? Yes, they would likely top out as well. All of that experience would be "better used as director of the group" or "provide valuable project management". Yet, I have worked with a woman who blew away any management opportunities because she loved the technology side. Unfortunately, she was at the top of her salary model and the only increase the company will allow is into management. No growth once you reach the top on the tech side.
What about me? I can stay technical for now. I expect to be this way for another 2.5 years and after that... who knows. I can usually make total migrations within a year. Maybe I will go back to project management. Maybe I will see if there are growth opportunities in TEKsystems. But for now, I am just working to make my client's SharePoint 2013 migration as smooth as possible.
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