Is it weird to become a junior Software developer after 4 years of Product Manager?

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I think it will only make you a better developer. You aren't losing that experience and who knows what you will do in the future!

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Experience is never lost. For what it's worth, I became a junior software developer 3 years ago at 40 after being many years in a completely unrelated field. Have been able to climb pretty fast through the levels, and I'm extremely happy about having done the change. The developer work really suits me, and like the day to day.

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This is so inspiring, congrats anon! Great work following your passions

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I think I would be happier as a developer than a PM, because it will be clear for me “what” to do and I will not have to talk to 100 people for a specific project. But I am hesitant because: I am 32 years old + 4-5 years of PM experience and 3 years of UX researcher experience. I will be losing all of it. Plus for some reason, there are many Developers wanting to become a PM

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Read the book "Range" by David Epstein, it specifically shows that experience from other domains is a key factor in developing innovative solutions. I am a developer and moving into PM slowly and one of the key things I try to hammer in to my team is that the best code is the one that we don't have to write. Most devs I know struggle to question requirements or to analyse why are we doing this. If you have PM experience this stuff will be second nature to you.

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No

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For what it is worth I want to move into product management from being a developer. I want to think more and miss dealing with people. I’d like to have more input and be part of the analyzing the problems and experimenting rather the implementation of the solution. By the time I get something I’m scratching my head as to why we are implementing this way, and am constantly rehashing the why. Being included would certainly help 😆, but they just get to answer my questions later. I miss dealing with people and talking to all those people, I feel so disconnected to my networking and connections within the company I had in an analyst role than was almost like a lower PM role. Its about what fits for you personally, based what you are saying I would say go for it. I would encourage finding the right fit. Career happiness is worth more than a job title thay will only be temporary . With your previous experience you’ll likely quickly advance out of jr.

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Thank you for sharing this! It does give me the other perspective

At least in my eyes, no. It gives you more credit and respect that you had balls to switch industries and do what you actually want to do.

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Could always go back as well. Not like the door is shut forever.

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Nope, it would be weird if you didn’t try and follow your passion. Plus, with PM experience, you are already well versed in communicating solutions and approaches to team. The only thing that will take time for you to get promoted is technical competency which I am sure you’ll pick up quickly.

Life is too short to let your passion die and you only regret the chances you never take 🙂

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You don’t lose any experience, if you’re happier and you will still be able to support yourself/family then go for it.

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I am kinda in a similar boat but even more extreme. Did consulting and product management for over 10 years and in my late 30s. Might be a mid life crisis, but really want to become a developer now. On one hand, I tell myself I will regret it later if I don’t do it.. I mean one life, why not try something new that I think I will enjoy. On the other hand I see everyone else wanting to get into consulting or product management and question the choice I want to make.

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I know right! I know some people are really well suited for a PM career coz they love talking to people. I want to just be in my own cube and do my work 😂 major disconnect with my personality

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If you're really good at developing then yes, cause you can make bank at FAANG.

But if you're only ok...then you're options are more limited than the product path

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So I should Leetcode and see I guess :)

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You only live once. I'd write down the pros and cons of both and see which side is longer, and then think about what it is that you need to genuinely feel happy at the end of each day. For me, personally, I would hang onto what I had already worked for, but then I'm just a scaredy cat in a lot of ways :) fggfgf

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Picture of said cat please!

I am a developer who desperately wants to be a PM because I no longer enjoy development but that is me. Development is not my core interest but if it is yours then you should do it. You should do what will make you feel fulfilled in your career and life then be it anything. Choose a career that makes you want to go to work and not wait for it to get over. My suggestion is if development will fulfill you then go for it. As a developer you do have to talk to people to understand the what but it is much lesser than pm. Politics is not as bad or toxic as I have heard in other departments but it still exists. Development is very competitive and dry. What I mean by dry is there is not much customer interaction or presentations etc. it is very technical with constant learning and you will be doing that day in day out for hours on your computer. I am a extrovert who craves customer interaction, thinking high level picture and strategy which is why I cannot wait to get out of development. But as a software development you do get the privilege of doing your job and not worrying about other BS that goes around.

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I dont think your experience will be lost.. Software Engineers who also have the ability to think big picture and contribute to the direction of projects do well.

Also, like other people have said - it's far easier to switch from software to product or management than the other way around.

Follow your passion, give yourself a shot. If you hate it, the door will always be open to go back.

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I was a PM and transitioned into an entry ux designer and now I'm a director of ux. If PMing is not for you transition to the job you love. Life is too short to do something just for money. If you love your job, money will come quickly.

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Career growth is much faster as a PM

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That makes it easy then. Do what makes you happy!

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You should absolutely go for it. I'm sure it will make you a really interesting candidate. Regret is weird, restarting with something new is not!

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overtime? What should I do to better
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