ARE YOU STILL CONTRIBUTING AS A PROJECT MANAGER

ARE YOU STILL CONTRIBUTING AS A PROJECT MANAGER

ARE YOU CONTRIBUTING TO THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSION ?

I (Alfonso Bucero, PhD, PMP, PMI-RMP, PfMP, PMI Fellow) think deciding when to stop contributing in your project management career is deeply personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I have several examples of continuous contribution to the profession of people older than me, and I continue learning from them currently. But I found some thoughtful signals and questions that can help guide that decision:

1. When You’ve Lost your Passion
If you no longer feel inspired by leading teams, solving problems, or driving change—and you’ve tried to rekindle that spark without success—it might be time to shift focus. I never lost my passion for project management so far. Passion is part of my motto “Passion. Persistence and Patience”.

2. When You’ve Achieved Your Goals
Have you already accomplished what you set out to do? If you’ve built a legacy, mentored others, delivered impactful projects, and you feel fulfilled, it may be a good time to consider what’s next. In my case writing a new book or designing a training workshop to share my experience with my colleagues, practitioners and researchers.

3. When Energy Outweighs Impact
If managing projects consistently drains you more than it energizes you, and you’re not making the positive impact you used to, it might be a sign to pivot—either to less intense roles or advisory work.

4. When You Want to Contribute Differently?
You don’t have to stop contributing altogether. Maybe it’s time to transition from active PM roles to:
– Mentoring new project managers
– Writing or speaking about your experience
– Teaching project management
– Coaching executives or sponsors

5. When Personal Life Takes Priority
If family, health, or personal passions are calling you louder than your projects, stepping back can open space for a more balanced or meaningful life phase.

A Powerful Question to Ask Yourself:
Am I still adding value and feeling valued? If the answer is no, and you’ve tried to change that without success, it might be time to gracefully transition.

In my case i am in between signals 4 and 5, but even though I will keep trying to help and facilitate project managers in the projects they manage.

TODAY IS A GREAT DAY, and TOMORROW WILL BE BETTER!