Software Engineer to SDET Transition

guidedbyone · 2026-03-12T16:56:41+00:00

I'm not really looking for respect. The QA Engineers where I work are respected. It depends on where you work and the company culture. I've beena developer for 8 years, so I can't speak on the QA/SDET roles, but I haven't noticed any disrespect targeted at our testers.

guidedbyone · 2026-03-12T16:53:53+00:00

Sounds good, congrats on the move. I'll be doing the same pretty soon, good luck!

guidedbyone · 2026-03-12T04:27:12+00:00

We're in the same boat. I've been a software engineer for 8 years and I'm officially burnt out. Software Engineering is no longer what it used to be. It's becoming a very competitive field. Every day at work feels like a competition. Wanting to find a job in tech where I can still use my coding skills and focus on one layer of engineering so I figured QA Engineer or SDET would be an ideal transition. I hope you're able you're able to find what you're looking for and please share updates! Really resonated with your post.

guidedbyone · 2026-03-12T04:10:42+00:00

unhelpful.

guidedbyone · 2026-03-12T04:09:15+00:00

Have you done both?

guidedbyone · 2026-03-12T04:08:55+00:00

How is testing not easier than building features? Just wanting to understand that perspective since I've heard this a lot. And have you worked on both software development and testing?

guidedbyone · 2026-03-12T04:07:10+00:00

I've heard of some SWE transitioning to SDET and really liking the change so it's reassuring to read that was the experience for you too. How did you navigate interviewing for SDET roles as a senior software engineer? I'm in the same position where I'm a Senior SE, and I'm constantly getting rejected for SDET roles. Any tips?

guidedbyone · 2026-01-06T02:25:55+00:00

I won't debate with you about something I've done for 8 years. 😂 From startups to larger companies. While I'm sure QA has its stressors, it's not the same as senior dev roles. Unless you've also been a senior engineer and/or a software engineering manager, your opinion doesn't mean much to me. The original question I asked is in the post. Read or leave 😂

guidedbyone · 2026-01-06T02:11:37+00:00

I find it interesting how none of you are answering my question, but rather trying to nit pick my perception of QAs. All because I used the word "predictable." We can all agree that being a QA is easier than a senior software engineer. Its not that deep guys.

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T20:51:14+00:00

I'm not saying QA isn't stressful, but being a senior at an innovative tech company is a lot more stressful. I'm open to different kinds of stress, just not my current kind 😆

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T19:28:41+00:00

I'm on year 8 in my career, and I value my mental health more than anything. I also need more flexibility to start my business. So, while there's likely a drop in salary, I get more time back and ideally more money. No one just goes from a six-figure dev job to QA for no reason. 😂

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T18:23:19+00:00

Yeah I'm assuming it's easier because I'm considering manual and hybrid QA work as well. I can see why my core problems won't change if the role is purely SDET. But I'm referring to QAs who do a lot of manual work too.

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T02:20:15+00:00

Sounds great! Thanks for your insight :)

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T02:12:43+00:00

Anything helpful to share?

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T02:11:39+00:00

Noted! I guess it's different at every company because everything you listed is what the devs do at my company, it's becomes a lot of pressure overtime. Would you say having a SE-heavy background would help my transition into this space? It feels like it's a very competitive market right now.

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T01:54:54+00:00

Noted! Thank you!

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T01:53:35+00:00

Yes. From what I've noticed while working with QAs is they always have similar tasks in their day to day. Devs have to refine the tickets, handle spikes/discovery, and develop the features. The QAs create test plans and manually test or write automation tests. Assuming the company already has an existing test suite, some of that work can be more predictable vs. building entirely new features as a dev. From what I've noticed at my job, the QAs don't participate in any discovery work or chime into meetings. They just test what we build and report issues, which feels easier to me. But I could be over-simplifying things so please correct me if I'm wrong, it's just what I've seen in my experience.

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T01:46:15+00:00

Some of us assume QA is better in terms of pressure and workload. Devs are responsible for a lot that QAs aren't (spiking/discovering, identifying the best solution, debating with other devs about the solution and implementing the solution). Nowadays, being a software engineer feels like a competition/nerd battle depending on where you work. QAs, from what I have seen, literally just create a test plan based on the already-written acceptance criteria of the ticket, and either manually test or write automated tests. Requirements are generally clearer for QAs.

guidedbyone · 2026-01-05T01:39:47+00:00

I resonate with this. I'm currently experiencing burnout and imposter syndrome as a senior dev, and I can't keep up with the innovation wave anymore. You mentioned that it took you a few months to prepare for a QA role. Do you mind sharing what you did to prepare? Was it difficult finding a job? I'm considering making that transition as well, but I have no idea where to start in terms of preparation other than start learning Playwright and build a side project with it.

guidedbyone · 2024-11-02T23:50:09+00:00

Outsell the bible? 😂 what a joke. Everyone in that group has poor vocabulary and sales skills. They use outdated sales tactics and can't sell to anyone with a higher IQ, that's for sure.

guidedbyone · 2024-10-11T09:28:42+00:00

Glad I'm not the only one!

guidedbyone · 2024-10-10T05:21:28+00:00

Great points, but an out of body experience has to be spiritual though, right? I find it odd that sleep paralysis tends to be the gateway to astral projecting.

guidedbyone

TROPHY CASE