If you chose a career as a designer or writer, there’s a good chance you grew up doodling on every surface you saw, or penning witticisms even when you were supposed to be serious. You followed your bliss and couldn’t imagine doing anything else for a living.
But now it’s several years into your career, and you’ve been presented with an opportunity to advance – by supervising a team. You’re torn. An elevated title can be a big ego boost. Of course, a higher salary is pretty sweet, too. But you worry that you’ll lose touch with the craft that led you to your profession. And you wonder if you’re even cut out to lead others? Pressure from friends and family to take the promotion doesn’t help. They reason that a typical career path follows a familiar script: start in an entry-level role, gain experience, move into management, then keep on movin’ up. Why would you turn it down?
Too often, conventional thinking defines success as always pushing for the next big job, with management as the ultimate prize. But for many creatives, the real joy isn’t leading a team or sitting in endless meetings – it’s the work itself. The thrill of solving a design problem, crafting the perfect headline, or bringing a brilliant idea to life through the marriage of art and copy is what keeps you energized. And if that’s what you love, why should you feel pressured to give it up?
Know Yourself, Know Your Career
The key to a fulfilling career isn’t about chasing titles – it’s about knowing what makes you happy and what you’re good at. Some people thrive in leadership roles, mentoring junior team members, setting strategies, and making high-level decisions. Others find their greatest satisfaction in honing their craft, pushing creative boundaries, and producing work that excites them. Neither path is more valid than the other.
So how do you decide which path is right for you? Start by examining what’s most important to you in your work. Do you love rolling up your sleeves, digging into the creative process, and seeing a project through from concept to execution? Or do you find meaning in guiding others, helping a team succeed, and shaping the bigger picture? Think about your best days at work – are they spent deep in your craft, or do they involve leading discussions and making strategic decisions?
It’s also helpful to consider your long-term career goals. Some people worry that staying in a hands-on creative role limits growth and earnings capacity, but many companies now have high-level individual contributor positions that allow you to move up without moving into management. Research different career paths in your field and talk to people who’ve taken both routes. Understanding your own motivations and strengths will help you make a decision that’s right for you.
Redefining Success
If you’ve ever felt guilty about not wanting to move up by becoming a manager, just let it go. Success looks different for everyone. If you’re happiest practicing your craft, own it. Build a career that fits you, not someone else’s definition of success.
