[throwaway0129u4]

Thank you for responding. I appreciate the honesty.

The 10 years as an IC is interesting as an issue and sounds like it might be part of what I'm experiencing.

I am definitely trying to work any relationships I have, but unfortunately with my past I have not been able to properly maintain them. I'll definitely keep trying there, though.

Management is interesting option I had not considered. I have lead small teams for short bursts in the past with some success, but haven't been confident about seeking managerial roles with my history. It's definitely something I would consider, though. Assuming my resume is otherwise ok, do you think I might at least have more success getting interviews with those roles?

[tacostakohashi]

Maybe, and perhaps you'd want to emphasize your team lead experience, outcomes, processes, etc.

The basic takeaway is that 10+ years of experience is valued for management roles, and it's not for IC roles. Most IC job descriptions / ads will want 3 years, 5 years (maybe 7 years max...) of experience with <insert hot new thing> here, and they want people who are minimally qualified for those roles. Extra experience isn't necessarily regarded as a good thing, and can count against you in terms of perceived compensation expectations, or being "damaged goods" that didn't get promoted / on a good career track at their last place.

[throwaway0129u4]

Thank you so much. You are confirming a lot of my suspicions and it gives me some clarity.