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Being an engineer is just that - an engineer. It's different from being a leader. Being a "10x" engineer just makes you a better engineer, it doesn't mean you'r

by mgfist 5y ago

Being an engineer is just that - an engineer. It's different from being a leader. Being a "10x" engineer just makes you a better engineer, it doesn't mean you're any more capable of making a decision that would generate a company $100 million in yearly revenue. Just different skill set. Steve Jobs wasn't a great engineer, but he was a great product visionary and marketer.

dvt 5y ago
> Being an engineer is just that - an engineer. It's different from being a leader. I disagree. In fact, the third or fourth stage of your promotion will often be a leadership position (junior, senior, principal/tech lead). If you're okay with being a "senior engineer" until you're 45, you're going to be in for a rough time when you get inevitably laid off.
- hellbannedguy 5y ago
  Most guys in tech are laid off around 50-55. I know way to many Anchor-out, homeless, or stay at home dads (Kids moved out decades a ago, or sleeping in the basement. Wife begrudging hating your unemployed, but is still civil when you are around.) who were in Computer Managment. Save the money while you're young. Computer skills seem to mean nothing after 50. An those ass kissing people skills (Managment) are finished the moment you are laid off. You will not be the 65 year old working Doctor, or Lawyer. The barrier to entry is just too low, and since you guys are above unions; I hope you have a sympathetic family. It will make you liberal though. If you have the right attitude you will get through it though. A divorce might be necessary, but you probally knew that one was comming for years.
- mgfist 5y ago
  I stand by my take. A good engineer is not guaranteed to be a good lead. And a bad engineer isn't guaranteed to be a bad lead. They are different roles. Most competent companies let good engineers who won't be good leads stay in IC roles with bigger responsibilities.

by mgfist 5y ago

dvt 5y ago

> Being an engineer is just that - an engineer. It's different from being a leader. I disagree. In fact, the third or fourth stage of your promotion will often be a leadership position (junior, senior, principal/tech lead). If you're okay with being a "senior engineer" until you're 45, you're going to be in for a rough time when you get inevitably laid off.

hellbannedguy 5y ago
Most guys in tech are laid off around 50-55. I know way to many Anchor-out, homeless, or stay at home dads (Kids moved out decades a ago, or sleeping in the basement. Wife begrudging hating your unemployed, but is still civil when you are around.) who were in Computer Managment. Save the money while you're young. Computer skills seem to mean nothing after 50. An those ass kissing people skills (Managment) are finished the moment you are laid off. You will not be the 65 year old working Doctor, or Lawyer. The barrier to entry is just too low, and since you guys are above unions; I hope you have a sympathetic family. It will make you liberal though. If you have the right attitude you will get through it though. A divorce might be necessary, but you probally knew that one was comming for years.
mgfist 5y ago
I stand by my take. A good engineer is not guaranteed to be a good lead. And a bad engineer isn't guaranteed to be a bad lead. They are different roles. Most competent companies let good engineers who won't be good leads stay in IC roles with bigger responsibilities.