My reason was - I don't know how to code and I want to become a CEO/Founder one day. Product managers go on to become CEOs (said some unverified source in the distance) and there I was practicing cases and what not. Of course, I was young and foolish. Now I am less young.
But now that I am "experienced", I do not see it AS lucrative as it is perceived at all.
The pay: Nothing compared to engineers (on an average, as well as at the peak) The WLB: It cannot be worse anywhere The growth: Lick above and kick below (don't know how it is in other roles) The flexibility: Try switching domains as an X PM to a Y PM and you'll know. I think SDEs have a better chance there because their work is closer to the fundamentals, compared to the inevitable jargon that comes with Product.
And as for my original reason goes, I now think there are better ways (get a business degree, start and/or fail a business, work as a generalist in startups, work as a consultant) to get there.
So, why is product management hyped still? Do most of the 'aspirants' even know what exactly they are getting into?
The 2010s were marked by a popular mantra: "Be your own boss." For many college students at the time, this phrase served as a source of motivation. However, the reality was that few were willing to engage in the hard work—whether coding or sales—that truly drives success.
As a result, many sought jobs that appealed to their egos without requiring significant effort. Meanwhile, savvy CEOs from the baby boomer generation recognized an opportunity to delegate responsibility. This led to the emergence of the Project Manager (PM) role, often perceived as akin to a lion tamer in a circus—someone who manages chaos but whose true responsibilities were often misunderstood.
This new role opened doors for many fresh graduates. After all, if a lion tamer were to be replaced, it wouldn't be difficult to find someone else for the job.
During this period, coders began to be viewed as modern-day masons, while PMs were likened to contractors (thekedaars). This dynamic inflated the egos of many PMs, who found themselves at the center of organizational structures despite their ambiguous role.
However, industry leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg eventually recognized the need for efficiency. They began hiring individuals who could both code and manage projects effectively, thereby reducing reliance on traditional PMs.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, the requirements for project management roles are expected to diminish further. Senior PMs may find themselves taking on more responsibilities as technology streamlines processes that once required multiple layers of management.
In summary, while the 2010s celebrated the idea of self-employment and inflated roles like that of PMs, the industry is now shifting towards a more efficient model that prioritizes technical skills and adaptability.
Why does this look like a ChatGPT response though
Simple. Too many people want to be in tech/IT companies, but don't want to code!!
Then what's the solution for engineers, who don't want to get into tech (basically nahi Karni coding).
Not smart enough to be in VC/Consulting, really there aren't many option.
Then it's just a matter of preference, right?
Because you're choosing between not wanting to code (but more burden and less pay) vs having to code (but relatively less burden and high pay)
I had two reasons :
Yeah product managers are hyped up by LinkedIn gyaani babas.
Check out what happened here:
The people are retarded - osho
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.
The biggest transition required is a transition of mindset. Once you've that, you'd realise that title doesn't matter...
I’m a SWE with 2 YoE. How do I get into product management or product ownership at my level? Any advice appreciated.
Hey all,
Can anyone refer me into product management domain roles in your organisation or suggest me if you know any openings it's been few months I am looking for job and recently did CSPO as well, TIA
