# 7 reasons experienced EMs get stuck

DevFeed: [7 reasons experienced EMs get stuck](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/7-reasons-experienced-ems-get-stuck-32320.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://newsletter.manager.dev/newsletter/7-reasons-experienced-ems-get-stuck>)

Author: Anton Zaides

Published: 2026-06-30T06:01:00Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Manager.dev](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/manager-dev.md>)

Topics: [Job](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/job.md>)

Tags: [career](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/career.md>), [engineering-manager](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/engineering-manager.md>), [mistakes](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mistakes.md>)

## AI overview

An experienced engineering manager reflects on career traps that can cause experienced EMs to stagnate, including confusing job titles or team size with impact. The article draws on the author's experience moving from a director role to an engineering manager role after a failed startup.

## Source excerpt

The mistakes that stall a career, even when you see them coming.