Tech's Unsung Heroes: The Real Life of Product Managers!

Building Great Products: More Stress, More Fun, More Everything!

So, you want to be a Product Manager? You must love stress, long hours, and endless meetings. Congratulations, you're in for a wild ride. Being a Product Manager is not just a job. It's a lifestyle. And let me tell you, it's not always glamorous.

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What you really don’t know about the role

Let's start with the constant struggle to walk the line between influence and manipulation. As a Product Manager, you're not just trying to get your team to do what you want. You're also trying to convince stakeholders and customers that your product is the best since sliced bread. It's a tricky balancing act that requires finesse, persuasion, and a dash of deception.

And then there's the exhausting task of saying "no" ten times more than "yes." As a Product Manager, you'll have to make tough decisions that may not be popular with everyone. You'll have to turn down feature requests, say no to stakeholders, and kill projects that aren't working. It's a thankless task that makes you feel like a perpetual buzzkill.

Another challenge that product managers face is convincing the business that experimentation is the right approach. In a world where there's pressure to be right all the time, it can be challenging to embrace a culture of experimentation where the goal is to find out if we're wrong and correct course quickly. However, this approach can lead to faster learning, better decision-making, and, ultimately, a more successful product. As product managers, it's our job to educate the business on the benefits of experimentation and to create a culture where it's safe to fail fast and learn from mistakes. This requires tremendous effort, but it's critical to the product manager's role.

But perhaps the most challenging aspect of being a Product Manager is the sheer amount of time and energy it takes. You'll be consumed by your job to the point where you may forget what it's like to have a personal life. If you allow this job, it will make you work long hours, miss important events, and feel guilty for not spending enough time with loved ones. It's a job that demands everything from you and gives little in return.

In the words of Steve Jobs: "Being a Product Manager is like being a janitor. You have to clean up a lot of messes, and it's not always glamorous." And he wasn't kidding. Being a Product Manager is a tough gig, but it's also rewarding.

In my article "What is a Product Manager?", I talked about the basics of the role, which involve defining the product vision and working with cross-functional teams. But in this article, we've gone deeper into the challenges and rewards of the role.

Another essential aspect of being a Product Manager is staying up-to-date on industry trends. The tech industry moves at lightning speed, and you must stay ahead of the curve to succeed. This means attending conferences, networking with peers, reading industry publications, and keeping an eye on emerging technologies that could disrupt your product.

Being a Product Manager can be a fulfilling experience despite all the challenges. You'll have the opportunity to create something that can make a real difference in people's lives. You'll work with talented individuals who share your passion for building great products. And you'll be part of a dynamic industry that's constantly evolving.

However, it's essential to acknowledge that being a Product Manager can take a toll on your mental health. The stress, pressure, and long hours can leave you feeling exhausted, burnt out, and overwhelmed. Take care of yourself and prioritize your mental well-being to succeed in this role.

Bottom line

Being a Product Manager is not always glamorous. It requires mental toughness, the ability to navigate the line between influence and manipulation, and the skill to say "no" more often than "yes." However, by understanding the realities of the role, product managers can be better prepared to tackle the challenges that come their way.

As I explained in my previous article, "What is a Product Manager?", the basics of the role involve defining the product vision and working with cross-functional teams. But in this article, we've gone deeper into the challenges and rewards of the role.

Product managers can find success and fulfillment in this dynamic and exciting field by taking care of their mental health, staying up-to-date on industry trends, and developing a deep understanding of the product development process.

Product managers must also recognize that they can't do it all alone. Building and maintaining a solid network of colleagues and mentors can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout their careers.

In the end, being a Product Manager is not just a job; it's a lifestyle. It's a challenging but rewarding profession that demands hard work, dedication, and perseverance. But with the right mindset, skills, and support, product managers can significantly impact their organizations and the world around them.

So, if you're up for the challenge, take a deep breath, and jump right in. You're about to embark on an exciting and fulfilling journey that will test your limits, push you to grow, and ultimately make a difference. Good luck!