I was reading a software book earlier tonight that used the phrase 'technical glass ceiling', and it reminded me of an important realization I've had about IT recently: a realization about what I'll call 'the unavoidable ladder'.<p>In the book I was reading the author used the phrase 'technical glass ceiling' to denote a ceiling that exists for technical people who don't have the required social skills for management. But I'd like to offer a counter-perspective to this outlook.<p>The 'unavoidable ladder' is a phenomenon that exists for business people who have social skills, but minimal to no technical ability. Because of their ability to deal with people, and because they work in the management stream, they're consistently being identified for promotions and additional responsibility. Lacking hard technical skills means that they're unable to work in the technical stream, and can't avoid brushing up against the political world of the business.<p>Where those who <i>do</i> have technical skills, and who <i>do</i> work in the technical stream usually have much less stressful jobs, where they sip coffee, solve technical problems, and listen to music. These jobs aren't open to those on the unavoidable ladder.<p>So maybe the managers and directors are making good money, but are they really enjoying themselves? Developers usually are.