Switch to an SDE from a PM

Hi all I just graduated from undergrad and started to work as an associate product manager at a YC company. Having worked as a PM for a the last 3 months, it’s not something that excites me and I don’t feel like I’m actually building something. The pay is pretty decent (14 base, 4L ESOPs) but money is not an important thing for me right now. I seriously want to switch careers to software engineering where I get the feeling of actually building (+the feeling of being an engineer). I want to quit my job and go all in to code for 6 months and see how it goes (as mentioned, money is not an issue as my parents can take care of me for a while + they’re pretty supportive). Can you please give your two cents on this topic? I’m pretty confused but I want to be an engineer.

Indian. I am a SDE (backend) currently. ~2 yrs exp. 16 LPA and I work 40-50 hrs a week. I like where I am, but I am not feeling the zeal for tech anymore. Probably will do a MBA down the line (thinking abroad, not sure) Looking for equal or greater pay, similar WLB, new domain. Should I switch to PM and try a hand at it? Am I aware of the reality or living in my own isolated reality?

Had started my career as a android developer for 2 years. Was fairly good at it. Went for a MBA from IIM K and joined a fintech startup as a PM. Around 5yoe PM now Keep regretting on and off how life could have been as a developer. 1. Crazy salary- esp after covid. Almost every org ways way more to a dev than a PM 2. Lot of options in job market - Unlike PM where demand is far less than supply 3. Specialised role - unlike PM where there is literally no entry barrier 4. Hard skill - unlike PM where everyone keeps questioning the need of the role 5. Chiller life - unlike PM where failures are yours but success is team’s Does anyone else feel the same?

Has anyone here, moved away from Software Development to something else. Maybe in a completely different direction, like became a graphics designer, or Game developer etc. or in a similar direction, like went towards Product Management or something similar. If yes, then I want to know your experience with the switch, and the steps you took to make it happen. I got into Software engineering 2-3 years ago (attracted by the salaries) but now I just don’t feel like doing it anymore at all. I asked a friend who’s a PM, and his take on this was, if i wanted to keep earning how much I currently do (20-30 LPA), and want to go even further than that, then SDE is the only option, PMs do not get paid that much amount, when compared to SDEs in the longer run. What’s your take on this?

Hey Grapeviners, I need some serious help. Bit about myself - just graduated this month and working as an APM at a seed stage startup. I have 1.5 years of product experience and 3 years of overall experience as an intern. Lately, not sure why but I am loving what engineers do. Closely working with them, and I guess it's nostalgic for myself. Because I did coding for 6 months and moved on for some reason. So, I understand how tech actually works. Have got good feedback regarding this. At the same time, I am not really finding the true value of what I am doing everyday. Feels a void inside. Also, I am not able to discuss all these things in person with someone, because I fear that they will judge me after doing internships for 3 years, I still haven't figured out my career. Such a loser I am. I have been thinking about starting coding again and maybe switching to a coding job in the next 6 months maybe. But again it would be tough for me as I only got weekends for me to learn all this stuff. What do you all experienced folks suggest? What should I do? Please comment if you can help 🙏

Hey grapeviners, I am a software engineer and earning pretty good, but I have always dreamt of becoming a product manager. I don't hold any MBA. So How do I transition from a software engineer to a product manager.

I hope this post finds y'all well. so I'm currently working as a SDET 2 in a product base startup and my total experience is 4 years and 10 months. now I'm seeking a PM certification course from a reputed institute of India. 1) I want genuine opinions ( preferably from other PMs) as to whether it is the right move to switch from engineering to PM. will it be worth the hassle ? 2) also my current job is remote so are there decent remote PM opportunities or the role demands you to be in the office more ( this Is an important factor) 3) while making the switch would I have to compromise on the package since it's a role switch ? how much hike can I expect like I'm making X right now 20/30% on that ? would really appreciate genuine opinions.

Hey Grapeviners, I need some serious help. Bit about myself - just graduated this month and working as an APM at a seed stage startup. I have 1.5 years of product experience and 3 years of overall experience. Lately, not sure why but I am loving what engineers do. Closely working with them, and I guess it's nostalgic for myself. Because I did coding for 6 months and moved on for some reason. So, I understand how tech actually works. Have got good feedback regarding this. At the same time, I am not really finding the true value of what I am doing everyday. Feels a void inside. Also, I am not able to discuss all these things in person with someone, because I fear that they will judge me after doing internships for 3 years, I still haven't figured out my career. Such a loser I am. I have been thinking about starting coding again and maybe switching to a coding job in the next 6 months maybe. But again it would be tough for me as I only got weekends for me to learn all this stuff. What do you all experienced folks suggest? What should I do? Please comment if you can help🙏

I'm relatively early in my career, and has been working as a Program Manager (it doesn't mean that I have anyone reporting to me). I love what I do. The pay is also decent. I also like software engineering (app development mainly). I used to code regularly and has got some apps on the Play Store as well (hobby projects, not big). I'm confused whether I should continue as a Program Manager (going down the managerial route) or switch to a Software Engineering role. I feel like I should get some software engineering experience before being in a role working closely with Software Engineers. But, another thought is why move away from something that I love doing. I'm a bit scared on taking a decision (grass would always be greener on the other side). I don't know anyone like me in the same route. Note: I work at a fortune 50 organisation, awesome team/manager, and all of them are completely supportive of whatever decision I make. My manager is happy to help me grow in any direction (both at the same time as well), but spending energy on one would yield better results. Age: <25 Education: B.Tech (no MBA) Exp: ~ 2 years Note: I would definitely love to be a good manager down the lane (always liked working with people). (I don't want to make this into a thread to fight on coding v/s non coding roles)