Harsh truth:
The job market for middle managers is absolutely cooked.
Companies are flattening org charts and killing layers. They want less decision makers and more doers. You're the first name on the chopping block.
So you do the logical thing. You swallow your pride and apply for IC roles. You take a step back and get your hands dirty again.
And that's when you realize you're not just blocked from moving up, you're blocked from moving anywhere.
Let's pretend you're a 45-50+ year old Manager that applies to an IC job.
Here's what hiring teams actually see when your resume lands on their desk:
1. You'll question the 35 year old you report to or quietly try to take their job.
2. You've been hands off for years. Can you even do the work anymore? Past your prime.
3. This is a bridge job. You'll leave for an EM role the second one opens up.
So you're stuck.
Too senior to be trusted as an IC. Too expensive to justify the risk.
The exact experience that got you promoted is now the reason nobody will hire you.
Brutal.