4 ms·

Ill try to field this one being that Ive kind of moved around to a handful of different categories of companies and am constantly scratching my head over this.

Ill try to field this one being that Ive kind of moved around to a handful of different categories of companies and am constantly scratching my head over this. This is the best of the more realistic options from what I can tell... 1) You move to management (engineering, project, product, etc). This one is perhaps quite popular but I think few truly enjoy this move and usually get jammed into middle management. It seems prestigious, pays more, less hours but it can be mind numbing to someone who went into software for the creative and exciting aspects of tech. I think probably many find this is a good way to the midlife crisis. Sorry to be so pessimistic. 2) You become a consultant. Lots of folks do this and will do it as long as they are successful. You usually have to work in more enterprise environments but many realize that is where some of the really tough interesting problems are. Pretty good option for Java/Systems/Network engineers. If your a specialist in Rails or social gaming you may find this one tougher. 3) You get into big corp as a full-time engineer and walk up the Principal Engineer / Architect technical latter. Usually pretty good stability, pretty good pay - relatively comfortable for those who like it. 4) You get tired of things and move out of the field. Where to?.. anyone's guess. Could be tech related, could be totally unrelated. Perhaps we don't like to admit it but there is usually a lot of BS in many software development companies (yes even startups) and at 30, 40, or 50 you realize life is too short to be standing up in a SCRUM everyday (sorry I hate SCRUM - my personal bias). 5) You get really lucky and become really rich somehow (stock options, whatever) and retire early. Everyone thinks this will be them - in reality highly unlikely. Many in software do well but plan on always needing an income. 6) You start a non-startup software business. Perhaps an ISV with a side of consulting or open source or something like that. This one can be pretty fun for those who really truly enjoy software.

quietthrow 13y ago
Good post. Thanks for chiming in. so the main options from a employment perspective are: 1) Change tracks and slide into management - mid management to be specific. 2) Consult/Freelance 3) Progress the technical ladder - Principal/Staff/Fellow engineer. Some questions: a) Could you elaborate on the pros and cons of 1 and 3. b) what about progressing into Sr/Exec mgmt as opposed to mid management - do they mostly want mba types and hence not an option for developer types or is there a progression from mid to exec mgmt but its the same as your #5 - get really lucky (besides having the right skills) ? (Also couldn't agree with you more - why is mid management so glamorous all of a sudden ?!?)

quietthrow 13y ago

Good post. Thanks for chiming in. so the main options from a employment perspective are: 1) Change tracks and slide into management - mid management to be specific. 2) Consult/Freelance 3) Progress the technical ladder - Principal/Staff/Fellow engineer. Some questions: a) Could you elaborate on the pros and cons of 1 and 3. b) what about progressing into Sr/Exec mgmt as opposed to mid management - do they mostly want mba types and hence not an option for developer types or is there a progression from mid to exec mgmt but its the same as your #5 - get really lucky (besides having the right skills) ? (Also couldn't agree with you more - why is mid management so glamorous all of a sudden ?!?)