Biochemist -> SWE -> SE -> SWE -> Product If you value career growth, SE can be an accelerator in the early part of your career. But can be a major blocker to

Biochemist -> SWE -> SE -> SWE -> Product If you value career growth, SE can be an accelerator in the early part of your career. But can be a major blocker to high impact/leverage projects and career progression later in your career. But if you don't value career growth and high leverage/impact work (products/services)...SE is predictable and boring role with good job security. I recommend thinking of SE as a short tour of duty. Not a final career path. There are too many older (and wiser) SEs who basically work the same 5-6 hours a day and get paid half as much as their SWE counter parts, and can't transition out because they are pigeon-holed. Re: Sales/SE Manager. EMs are often assigned more interesting higher leverage projects, and get paid way more with less pay variability. Also, don't let sales people (including CEOs) sell you on Sales/SE. They are very charismatic. Message me anytime if you need a voice of reason.