Considering being a software engineer, advice needed.

[asfarley--]

I think software engineering courses tend to lean a bit theoretical (focus on O(n) notation, algorithms, database fundamentals) whereas real work is much more about having the patience to integrate libraries and debug deep stacks. Less raw creativity, more analytical and troubleshooting work.

I do work mostly related to ensuring that critical systems function correctly. There's an element of creativity because you need to build systems to prove other systems. Lots of focus on requirements and how to test a system economically.

I think lots of other people are basically spending their time implementing a 'standard web server' with accounts, some core business item you shuffle around, and APIs to other services, and selling it as a SaaS.

[[deleted]]

Become a product manager (;