I think software engineering as a profession would be a lot better off, and a lot of people would be happier, if more people made sure they got some real variet

I think software engineering as a profession would be a lot better off, and a lot of people would be happier, if more people made sure they got some real variety in their first ten years or so. Work at a startup and at a FAANG (if you can). Work at a company that needs software developers but don't have that as their primary business. You'll be miserable and probably not last long, but it will give you perspective. Work at a hardware company. Try different markets, different technical specialties, different roles, different stages of development. Careers are long. You might be surprised at which combination ends up appealing to you, then you can spend the majority of your career being happier. Between greater ability to focus and all the contacts you made earlier, you'll probably climb higher in the end too.