Job Hunt Archives

Tech Executive Job Strain – Time for Change

I often come across burned out tech executives who, feeling drained and disillusioned, are choosing between early retirement and continuing in roles they despise. The relentless demands of the tech industry frequently result in exhaustion and discontent among these professionals, highlighting the need for a better work-life balance and strategies to foster well-being.

Somehow, finding ways to relax is crucial for maintaining well-being, especially for tech executives who often lead high stress lives. Check out more ideas on relaxation for tech execs in this post. If you find yourself not enjoying your work, and your job is a strain, it might be time to consider a change. While it’s easier said than done, especially when financial stability is a concern, if your current role is causing you distress or unhappiness, it’s important to take steps towards a more fulfilling path.

My wife has been a longtime advocate of incorporating yoga into our daily routines. I’ve noticed that maintaining good health, perhaps with the guidance of a dedicated personal trainer, can significantly enhance one’s overall well-being. It’s unfortunate to see high-stress executives resorting to excessive drinking as a coping mechanism, which inevitably takes a toll on their physical health. Prioritizing selfcare is crucial, and it often leads to positive outcomes. Equally important is looking after your family, as they hold a special place in our lives and deserve our utmost care and attention.

To effectively prioritize selfcare, explore options such as yoga or hiring a personal trainer.

Remember, if job strain becomes overwhelming, there’s no need to suffer silently. Better opportunities await. Invest time in finding a fulfilling role. Additionally, consulting with a career coach can provide clarity on your goals and help craft a plan to achieve them. Selfcare extends beyond physical well-being to encompass mental and emotional health. This is particularly vital in the fast-paced tech industry, where burnout and stress are prevalent.

Also see the post on when a tech exec should consider retiring.

Moving from Corporate to Consulting

Some dream of transitioning from a corporate software developer role to consulting or Big 4. Travel and the potential for more money add allure. However, the move is not for everyone and can be stressful if unprepared. Does it accelerate the path to becoming a tech exec?

Let’s determine if the consulting world is right for you. As a software developer, you’ll work on projects with a team, either at a client site or virtually. Junior focus on coding, while senior roles also involve pre-sales as a subject matter expert.

What’s the difference?

This is not much different from your current corporate software development team. The point is, you’ll be leaving a well-structured environment one with more stress. Clients have high expectations and constantly assess the quality of your work. If you excel at what you do, this won’t be a big deal. However, consulting company leaders are often pressured to quickly place you in a role, so you’re not sitting on the bench.

Project assignments

Leadership “markets” you to assign you to a project. Ideal fit can be secondary to project assignment, with revenue generation as the primary factor. Consider your flexibility and adaptability in handling change and stress. Making it past the first two years is a good sign for growth and advancement.

Up or out

Big 4 consulting firms (Deloitte, E&Y, PWC, and KPMG) follow an up-or-out model. you don’t get promoted within a specific timeframe (usually two years), they let you go. This can be unsettling for those transitioning from a corporate setup with no fixed promotion expectations.

Mix of assignments

Assuming you’re not assigned to a long-term project, rotating clients and projects is a great way to build experience. It keeps things interesting, avoiding the mundane grind of doing the same thing every day for years. However, if you prefer certainty and not having to learn anything new, consulting might not be the right fit for you.

As a consultant, each role offers an opportunity to learn and adapt to new job requirements and work environments. The pace can be demanding, as clients expect more productivity. However, there are chances to shine and make a lasting impression. Building a good rapport with clients may result in project extensions, which are highly valued by consulting companies. Consultants who excel in extending projects are rewarded with higher raises and promotions. If you thrive in a competitive environment, consulting is ideal for you.

I’m rambling and there is a lot more to this topic, but let’s summarize the pros and cons of the consulting world:

Pros:

Dynamic and fast paces
Quicker promotions and more money
Travel and interesting project locations

Cons:

Fast paced and lots of uncertainty
Stress and high expectations
Uncertainty of roles or work assignments

Being a consultant requires a particular mindset. Work-life balance may be challenging, with frequent on-the-road assignments. Temporary dislike of assigned work and constant self-evaluation can induce stress. However, if you progress up the chain (up-or-out), the rewards are significant.

Job Search for the Tech Exec

As a tech exec, I get asked all the time about the right strategy to find a new job.

In the past, physical resumes were mailed when seeking employment, hoping for a response. But in today’s digital era, LinkedIn is a remarkable platform for expanding your professional network. Search for industry peers, invite them to join your network, clearly communicate your job search intentions, and provide a direct link to your updated profile.

Furthermore, you possess the ability to proactively engage with professionals employed at your desired company. Take the initiative to connect with them and politely inquire if they would be willing to provide an endorsement for a specific role.

Anticipate the potential of being overlooked while recognizing that not everyone will respond to your outreach efforts. Nevertheless, persistence remains crucial. One of the advantages of leveraging LinkedIn is the extensive pool of connections at your disposal. As you commence expanding your network, the process of adding new connections becomes increasingly effortless. In forthcoming posts, we will delve into diverse strategies for networking through platforms such as LinkedIn.

Click here for a post on finding the right technology talent.

Market Yourself

This subject deserves an entire category dedicated to it on this blog. It is a crucial aspect of brand building, regardless of one’s tenure in a company or career. Even tech execs must refine their personal brand to succeed.

As you navigate through your office, always be prepared for unexpected encounters with senior leaders. So, what should you do when you meet them in the elevator? Embrace the moment! Craft a concise self-introduction, commonly referred to as an “elevator pitch,” that highlights your background, role, and identity. Strive for brevity, ensuring it can be delivered within the duration of an elevator ride – perhaps just five floors. Let your words radiate confidence and eloquence, making a lasting impression.

I believe that the elevator pitch serves as the foundation for establishing your brand identity.

However, it is an imperative initial stride. Being comfortable with self-expression is essential. Practice it. Admittedly, sharing personal anecdotes with unfamiliar individuals can be daunting, but wise leaders appreciate your endeavors to forge connections and are typically encouraging (well, at least most esteemed leaders within the organization).

Here’s the elevator pitch…

Hello Mr. Jones! It’s wonderful to see you. I’m Jean Smith from the Technology Department. May I take a moment to introduce myself? I specialize in supporting finance department applications and possess exceptional communication skills. My long-term aspiration is to become a valued member of the leadership team at ABC Company. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to connect with you.

Feel free to add and enhance but avoid any oddities. Keep it concise and straightforward. Be warm and welcoming, as if meeting a friend on the street.

Please remember that you have a limited time to make a lasting impression on the leader. Our focus for now will be on ensuring that they remember you. We will discuss additional personal marketing activities at a later point.