5 ms·
Not sure if this counts, but I went from software engineering to embedded systems. Here's how I feel it's different: - The space evolves at a slower pace than
by allo37 4y ago
Not sure if this counts, but I went from software engineering to embedded systems. Here's how I feel it's different:
- The space evolves at a slower pace than regular "software", so I'm less stressed about keeping up with the latest/greatest;
- Resources are more constrained so there are less whacky design patterns and architecture - just simple code;
- Longer development lifecycle (due to hardware), so less being rushed to ship half-assed features.
There are downsides, too:
- Less cool algorithms (and language features), more shunting around data and debugging;
- Not as well-compensated, but still pretty good;
- Hard to be 100% remote, since you often need access to hardware.
Obviously, my experience is not universal, just my sample of n=1!
- alkaloid 4y agoWhat a great idea, thank you. I'm building my (last?) office for remote work with a workbench just in case I can make this jump . . . :)
- gcheong 4y agoHow did you make the move in terms of learning what you needed to know then getting a job doing it?
- rafiki6 4y agoMay I ask what was your background and how you managed the move? Also did you need to take a paycut? I was once in embedded (around a decade ago) and jobs were scarce and not interesting. Shifted to SWE simply due to massive wage differences. Once I'm financially comfortable, I would like to shift back to embedded. I have a EE background but only some early career experience in embedded so would likely fail interviews right now.
- allo37 4y agoI had worked in embedded a bit at my first job out of university, then took a job doing mostly modern C++ but also Android/IOS/.NET development for over 3 years. I realized that I missed embedded and wasn't super fond of "software" for the reasons outlined above, and ended up where I am now. I actually got a small pay increase compared to my previous role! I don't think my salary really compares to what I read about on here (like, I think your average HNer easily makes 2x what I did/do based on the posts I've read) though, so take from that what you will.