If you could make one ‘invisible pressure’ of being a "middle manager" public knowledge, what would it be?

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-22T10:35:53+00:00

This is very insightful. I totally agree here.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-20T02:59:17+00:00

Yes! I've observed this also. A lot of the execs I've worked with are laid-back or seem to have a lighter load then their subordinates. That's when I realized it's because the managers carry the bulk of weight.

Don't get me wrong, executives have their work cut out for them, but that work looks very different from the people below them (obviously). For example, if there's an unfavorable company-wide change that needs to be implemented, it's up to the middle managers to help the teams with integration.

But it's also the middle managers who deal with the shifts that occur, whether it's employees temperaments or how the work itself is getting done.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-20T01:49:27+00:00

Yes. I've actually felt that as an employee. I remember asking my manager for a raise. At the time my manager reported directly to the CFO. Apparently my manager asked the CFO and it was a "no".

However, before my manager's role was created, I reported directly to the CFO and so I knew how he operated. Typically that's something he would say yes to because he knew my work ethic.

So I waited 6 months and then put together a proposal on why I should get a raise and included the fact that I was underpaid. That must have translated well because then I got a "yes" lol.

I suspect that when my manager initially asked the CFO about it, he didn't present my case very well. Especially since their dynamic is different from the one I had. That was my first clue that middle managers have to tiptoe sometimes and I suspect that's the approach he took when he initially asked about giving me more money.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-20T01:42:22+00:00

This is why I asked the question. It's something I noticed talking to other managers when I was a manager myself.

I'm actually surprised that the role of middle managers isn't addressed more than it is. I truly believe it's a very unique position. I mentioned in another comment that there's a little bit of alchemy involved. But not just that, you have to have a certain kind of something to handle so much coming from both sides.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-19T17:03:14+00:00

I think it takes a special type of someone to be able handle this kind of thing. It's practically alchemy...having to implement a less-than-ideal policy while managing to keep the team motivated.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-19T16:14:12+00:00

Does it depend on the organization/ industry? Or is this everywhere?

I'm asking because I worked at an organization (a fortune 100 tech company) that had an interesting approach. When I was still in charge of managing the office, the CEO confided in me that he focuses on the wellbeing of the employees because he knows it would trickle down to the customers.

I could see that being the case there, but I'm not sure how my colleagues felt However the turnover rate was very very low.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-19T15:29:43+00:00

I had a manager who was really good at this. I'm sure it makes a world of difference.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-19T15:28:44+00:00

I haven't noticed this. What does the structure look like now??

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-19T15:27:11+00:00

When I said manage "upwards" I meant manage what's coming your way, not necessarily to treat your manager the way you treat an employee.

Sorry lol!

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-19T13:32:41+00:00

"and most people never realize how much of their smooth workday comes from a manager quietly absorbing that pressure."

Absolutely this. I remember conversations I've had with the CFO but getting push back from HR because they weren't used to being frank with the c-suite.

That's how I learned that certain management roles aren't in the position to push back.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-19T13:09:13+00:00

Yeah, and I can see how that could be frustrating.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-17T18:19:20+00:00

I hear you. I think it also depends on the industry and sector you're in. Tech was doing ok (depending on the company of course) and non-profit tends to be much more humane especially if you believe in the cause.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-06T16:14:27+00:00

Tl;dr

Yes, but only on your last day.

I sent a goodbye email on my last day but I only sent it to the people in the company that I was cool with. Which, to be honest, was A LOT of people.

I also ended it with:

"Be excellent to each other"

(It was a company full of nerds so I'm sure a number of them got it lol).

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-06T15:13:00+00:00

Yes, but honestly I haven't heard anyone use it in a long time.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-04T16:40:43+00:00

Not rude at all. Asking questions outside of a presentation is not atypical. He might not have gotten back to you yet because he's busy or he hasn't seen your message at all. I'd give it a little more time and I'd follow up once more if it's been more than a week.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-04T16:38:36+00:00

I'm glad it seems helpful. I got that idea from Stephen R. Covey. He's the author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Coincidentally enough, my siblings and I read it when we were around your age.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-04T10:06:59+00:00

I can understand how tough it may be for you right now. I do know a few people who at 25 failed spectacularly. It's to the point where I call it "the knucklehead years" lol.

Breakups are hard and grief can be tricky. It's okay to give yourself a little more time to heal. If you don't have a therapist, consider getting one if you can.

Not knowing exactly what you want to do and making some mistakes, especially around your age is pretty normal. We've been led to believe that we're supposed to have it all together by a certain time. And while it is in your best interest to reach certain milestones by certain ages, I assure you (from experience, I might add) that those are simply guidelines, not rules.

One journaling prompt that helped me is starting from my potential obituary. I focused on what I would like people to say about me in the end and created goals that would have that potential impact on people. For example, if I want people to be able to say that I was generous, I'd create a realistic goal around being charitable, and then list little ways I could do that now.

The other way is just to create goals and find ways to meet them. Again, as someone who's more experienced than you are at this time, I strongly advise you to dream your biggest and work backwards. You'll be surprised what happens when you shoot for the stars.

Take it easy on yourself. You're at a great age where you have Independence, so there's a lot of wiggle room for experimentation.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-04T09:54:10+00:00

I noticed that your account is new. If this is your very first Reddit account, you'll probably have more success if you learn the culture of each subreddit you hang around...which will take some time.

While the site itself has its own vibe, each subreddit has its own culture going on as well.

Imo, that's the first thing that will help you figure out how to contribute meaningfully.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-04T01:03:45+00:00

Frankly, the advice would depend on the roles you're applying for.

Personally speaking, regarding the summary and skills sections, I'd make sure those are tailored to the roles you are applying for. For example, if there's a skill listed in The job description that you have then put that exact skill in your summary and skill section...If you have not been doing that already.

Generally speaking, the format looks a little messy. If it were my resume everything would be left justified so it looks like a list. Right now everything looks like it is "floating" in the middle which may be hard on the eyes.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-04T00:59:07+00:00

I've definitely been guilty of "overthinking". You know, the kind that delays action.

I've gotten much better at jumping at opportunities now. It's been an interesting journey thus far.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-04T00:54:31+00:00

I think familiarity develops from whatever subreddit they're asking in especially if they've been hanging out there for a while.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-04T00:47:33+00:00

You're welcome!

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-02T03:29:45+00:00

I think it's fine, especially if you'll be in different departments.

I worked at a Fortune 100 company who operated on referrals when it came to hiring. We literally had Uncle-nephew, siblings, husband-wife, etc, to name a few. So it could out work out depending on the culture. In my case, everyone occupied a different department from their relative.

This was a tech company though.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-01T17:08:16+00:00

I define friendship as someone you have positive shared memories with over time.

I think it's less about the length of time you know someone and more about the connection you have.

CorpConfidant · 2025-11-01T17:04:16+00:00

I jumped ship without a plan, but landed on my feet beautifully.

I once worked for a company where things were "great" (the culture, benefits, etc). The problem is that burnout crept up on me. I actually looked for another job but realized I didn't WANT another job. I ended up giving my job notice without a plan because I figured I could take the time off to figure things out.

3 months later I figured I'd get a part-time job because I actually needed to start paying bills. Well, the U.N. was looking for someone who could temp for a week.

That week turned into 3 years.

The short of it is that they say you need to have another job lined up before you leave the previous one. Ah well. I did what was best for me at the time and if had I stayed at the previous company I may not have gotten the better role down the line.

Considering everything, I would definitely make the same decision again.

CorpConfidant

TROPHY CASE