I've been in your position many times and am on the fence about what to tell you.
I've "stepped backwards" at least 3 times before, to positions way below my experience. I'm a little unique in that I don't have a bachelor's degree, so I've taken what I thought I could get at the time. In each case, though, within 1-3 years, I tripled my salary and jumped back up to a manager, director or CTO role. I rarely have the time to brush up on the latest trends (as you say you need), before I'm pulled back into what I do best - solving big, complicated problems and "getting things done". Last year, I found myself in the same position. I was extremely unhappy with my last company, and needed to get out. I interviewed for several junior IA or UCD positions and because I've been leading a team and not doing all of the hands-on work, was actually turned down for most of them. I was just about to jump to a web developer/design position, when a young start-up in need of a CTO found me. I interviewed and got the position, and didn't have to cut my salary in half to get here. I absolutely LOVE what I'm doing now, and am glad I didn't step back again. I did, however, start taking Capella courses last year, to finish my degree. They are insanely basic and junior-level (I won't say easy, but you could do them in your sleep). The point is that I'm taking advantage of my need for a degree to brush up on the basics in design and more recent tools. I'll have improved my skills without having to take a junior role to do so. One other thing...having Lead, Senior, or Manager in your title doesn't mean you can't do the basics. I'm also the sole designer for my company, with a team of 5 Ruby developers. I wouldn't love my job as much if I were just directing people. I'm looking forward to it now (I'm a little tired =]), but I like the design work and don't mind putting in extra time to do what I like. Bryan http://www.bryanminihan.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of paintrgrl99 Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 7:16 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [IxDA Discuss] When to go backwards I've been an IA on the web for more than10 years. Back in the old days I was considered a thought leader. We were making it up as we went along. We were trailblazers. Well, time has passed and my ways are now old school. I admit I haven't been developing at the same pace as the industry has. I woke up recently and decided I have a lot to learn and that I need to invest in my long term career development by both brushing up on the fundamentals and keeping up with what's new. I believe I am over-employed at the moment and I'm starting to struggle. I think it's time to make a change. When is it a good idea to go backwards? What will the recruiters think? Should I take the word Sr. and Lead off of my resume? Is this career suicide? Does anyone have any advice for me? ________________________________________________________________ *Come to IxDA Interaction08 | Savannah* February 8-10, 2008 in Savannah, GA, USA Register today: http://interaction08.ixda.org/ ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
