Why does nobody want to be the boss in 2024?

System developer data may have the answer.

As technology evolves rapidly and the demand for skilled system developers reaches unprecedented levels, it’s fascinating to explore what drives these highly sought-after specialists in their career choices.

 

Why do so many developers continue down the same technical path year after year, instead of stepping into management roles? Our data offers a theory.

3 000 system developers & IT managers agree – personal drivers matter most

At Worko, we continuously gather data to better understand what motivates our candidates in their professional lives. More than 3 000 system developers and IT managers seem to agree on what’s most important at work:

Zoom in or out – the answer lies on an individual level

The distribution of preferences is strikingly similar between these two groups: engaging projects, personal growth, and company culture & purpose rank highest. However, some differences emerge when we zoom in.

 

While the overall trends are similar, individual interests highlight the differences in career focus:

Managers' career focus:

  • They often prioritize broader tasks that drive the company forward, indicating a genuine interest in responsibilities beyond coding.
  • Their preferences lean toward job security, customer focus, working in growth companies, and contributing to societal impact.

Developers' career focus:

  • They are more interested in the projects themselves than the overarching operations.
  • They are driven by solving complex problems, working with skilled teams, and focusing on individual aspects of their role.
  • They place greater emphasis on personal factors, such as salary & benefits, working in a specialist environment, and remote work opportunities.

Understanding your own preferences is an essential part of self-awareness, and will help you identify what you need to thrive at work. What you want is not necessarily the same as what your peers want, and there is no right or wrong.

 

The decision to pursue a management role clearly isn’t the default path for system developers in 2024.

Being manager: a challenge for specialists?

Choosing the management track in your career often means a significant shift in focus: from specializing in one area, to overseeing broader responsibilities like administration, personnel issues, customer relations, and strategic decision-making.

 

For developers who are passionate about coding and problem-solving, this type of role can feel unfulfilling. They may be far better off staying on the specialist path, as many people don’t want to feel like they are wasting the time and energy they’ve invested in their technical expertise.

 

For some, it even becomes a question of identity:

“I’ve been doing this for 15 years, and I enjoy it so much that I want to keep doing it for another 15 years.”


—Jonathan, System Developer, Malmö

Not manager, but mentor

Even though many system developers prefer to stay in their technical fields, they still find value in sharing their knowledge and experience with others. Acting as mentors or taking on broader project roles can be deeply satisfying.

 

Their expertise can be leveraged for educational purposes, helping to guide teams and raise the organization to new heights—without necessarily stepping into a managerial position. This mix might just be the best of both worlds.

What can mapped out preferences do for developers?

Knowing what matters most to you increases your chances of thriving at work. Whether you aim to remain a skilled developer or do want pursue a management role, outlining your top priorities is a valuable exercise.

 

For instance, you might know you enjoy challenging, innovative projects—but do you also want a company car?

 

Identifying what’s most important means you are informed and prepared to negotiate when a new opportunity arises. This is what we call a proactive career.

Find your way with us

Whether you’re happy in your current role or if you’re looking for new challenges, we at Worko can help you find the right path forward.

 

As a leading competence provider in the IT sector, we have a vast network of employers and can match you with the best opportunities.

 

We understand that the timing may not be right for you right now, but by planning your career with us, you can map out your preferences and achieve your career goals in the future, when it works for you.

 

What have you got to lose?

Want more career tips, inspiration, and insights in your industry? Read more on our blog!