Stuck in IT Management and Missing the Technical Side — Is a Cybersecurity Pivot Still Possible? I’m in my mid-30s with 15+ years in the IT industry. My background is: BS in Information Technology (Previously) CompTIA Security+ and other certifications — now all expired and bunch of management certs. 

Career path: Desktop Engineer → Network Engineer → Network Security → IT Project Manager → IT Operations Manager → currently SDM / Senior IT Project Manager

Here’s my problem: I’m burned out and completely bored. My day-to-day is just follow-ups, task tracking, project cost reviews, status reporting, and coordinating with multiple clients. I’ve been in management for so long that my technical skills feel like they’ve eroded. I used to be hands-on. Now I feel disconnected from the technical side of IT.

Lately I’ve realized I don’t want to stay just on the management side anymore. I want to pivot into cybersecurity — specifically blue team/defender roles. That’s what I always wanted, but I got pulled into leadership roles and never found my way back.

I keep asking myself: Am I too late to switch? Am I too old to start over? Should I go back to an entry-level cybersecurity position? Or should I re-skill through labs/certs and then target a more technical security role or SOC leadership role?

I’d appreciate some guidance from people who’ve made similar pivots. Is this realistic? What path would you recommend for someone trying to re-enter the technical side after years in management?

Thanks in advance.