Don't trust your manager(s) that they are going to lead/manage/mentor you in a way that will really help you. They are not.
If I allowed myself to be really cynical, they are mostly out for themselves. Most will have no problem using you or even throwing you under the bus to get themselves ahead (or protect their own jobs). And this involves things like having you do things (aka work with less valuable techs) that they don't want to waste their time with. That is what `delegation` is.
But don't worry though. Most of the time, they have little time left to think about ways to take advantage of you. They are just busy managing their own jobs, your fellow team mates, and their own bosses. Oh, and figuring out how to beat fellow managers. They have their own family/retirement-plan to take care of. They don't have much time left to manage you after sharing extended pleasantries with their own bosses.
And the more successful your manager seems, the more guarded you should be about them using you to their advantage. I've been around and of the bosses I had over me, two are now in high level position (VP) at really well known brand name companies in US. Because we were in smallish startup shop with cubes/offices near, I was able to observe them from nearby. Both were really good at pleasing higher ups (not necessarily through excellent work but with friendship), have no problem with pushing around those under them, and just do good enough job of actually managing the team.
Also, don't settle.
Don't settle into a role that you feel comfortable. If you feel comfortable at a role, it's time to move on.
And time flies. Make most of it.
Don't trust your manager(s) that they are going to lead/manage/mentor you in a way that will really help you. They are not.
If I allowed myself to be really cynical, they are mostly out for themselves. Most will have no problem using you or even throwing you under the bus to get themselves ahead (or protect their own jobs). And this involves things like having you do things (aka work with less valuable techs) that they don't want to waste their time with. That is what `delegation` is.
But don't worry though. Most of the time, they have little time left to think about ways to take advantage of you. They are just busy managing their own jobs, your fellow team mates, and their own bosses. Oh, and figuring out how to beat fellow managers. They have their own family/retirement-plan to take care of. They don't have much time left to manage you after sharing extended pleasantries with their own bosses.
And the more successful your manager seems, the more guarded you should be about them using you to their advantage. I've been around and of the bosses I had over me, two are now in high level position (VP) at really well known brand name companies in US. Because we were in smallish startup shop with cubes/offices near, I was able to observe them from nearby. Both were really good at pleasing higher ups (not necessarily through excellent work but with friendship), have no problem with pushing around those under them, and just do good enough job of actually managing the team.
Also, don't settle. Don't settle into a role that you feel comfortable. If you feel comfortable at a role, it's time to move on. And time flies. Make most of it.