PM or QA Manager? 1

[pmtoday]

I have the good fortune to have two promotional opportunities in front of me: (1) As a PM, I am in line to be promoted to a Sr. PM position. (2) I've been offered a QA Manager position (I was formerly a QA lead).

The PM position will likely have broader scope across an international company and it's a role I enjoy so far. The QA Manager position is brand new, meaning I could shape the QA dept to fit my vision, which is very attractive. It will require a deeper dive into the technologies used. It will also mean an immediate promotion, rather than waiting 3-6+ months for approvals and achieving criteria needed for the Sr. PM designation. However, the QA Mgr role will involve several direct reports, somewhat narrower scope (focused in one location), and potentially longer hours & a lot more stress. I believe pay will be approximately the same for either role.

So which is better for skills development and marketability at this juncture in my career?

 

[Noway2]

an immediate promotion, rather than waiting 3-6+ months for approvals and achieving criteria needed for the Sr. PM designation.

How certain are you that you would get this promotion? A lot can change in 3 to 6 months, especially if it involves needing additional qualifications and other things to come together. If the other position is in the hear and now, the proverbial "bird in hand" may be better. On the other hand, you seem to have reservations about the scope and nature of the job, as shown by your comments regarding having reports, longer hours, and more stress. Of the two, which one do you think would give you more satisfaction and fulfillment? I get the impression that you are attracted to the idea of the promotion, but aren't sure that it is the best fit for you. If the job is a poor fit, the satisfaction from the promotion will wear off long before the misery of the job.

 

[FredWagner]

You question refers to skills development and marketability, but your reservations refer to job stress you will incur. Your marketabiliity and reputation will be enhanced by your doing a good job and being visibly happy doing it - and your personal life will be happier as well. Will the increased travel be a solid plus in your life? Picture yourself and your situation five years down the road in each potential job - imagine looking back, and see which choice you would have preferred... I did the high stress type jobs for about 10 years, am enjoying reduced stress now. Family issues should also be considered.

Fred Wagner