Sloan's Inbox: How to answer “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” when I'm content where I am.

Hey folks! Sloan, DEV Moderator and mascot. I’m back with another question submitted by a DEV community member.

For those unfamiliar with the series, this is another installment of Sloan’s Inbox. You all send in your questions, I ask them on your behalf anonymously, and the community leaves comments to offer advice. Whether it’s career development, office politics, industry trends, or improving technical skills, we cover all sorts of topics here. If you want to send in a question or talking point to be shared anonymously via Sloan, that’d be great; just scroll down to the bottom of the post for details on how.

Let’s see what’s up this week…

Today’s question is:

I’m a details person. How do I communicate that without seeming lazy?

I love my job, and I’m good at it. But I don’t have greater ambitions than where I am now. I don’t want to be promoted away from actually writing software in my day-to-day, and I certainly don’t want to go into management.

The question I fear most is “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I’m afraid if I say I see myself in my current position, I’ll seem lazy and disengaged (I’m really not! I’m enthusiastic!) But I don’t want to get put on a path to being promoted away from writing code.

If you were in my shoes, how would you succinctly answer this question without coming off the wrong way?

Share your thoughts and let’s help a fellow DEV member out! Remember to keep kind and stay classy.

Want to submit a question for discussion or ask for advice? Visit Sloan’s Inbox! You can choose to remain anonymous.