Should I Be Concerned about My Career?

LLostInTranslation on 29/09/2023 - 07:57

I am a software engineer. I graduated from uni in 2019 and started work at a top tech company. Earlier this year, layoffs occurred and my whole team, including myself, were made redundant. It took 2-3 months but I managed to get a new job, which I am very grateful for, but at the same time I am a little worried about where my career is heading. One of my friends has 4 yoe and just got an offer for a senior engineering position, another has 5 yoe and is a product manager. I have 3yoe and am still software engineer level 1, earning less than what I did in my first year of work (85K).

Should I be worried about the state of where I am or is this just par for the course?

Education & Work

Comments

  • djsweet on 29/09/2023 - 08:03

    You can try and progress at your current role or change jobs. They are really your two options. Now isn’t really the best time to be climbing the ladder, so don’t get your hope too high. Last two years have been bananas. Software Eng at 3yrs of experience is alright though. Some people take a lot longer than that to progress to Senior Eng. You should also consider if you are actually up to the task of a Sr Eng.

    • LostInTranslation on 29/09/2023 - 08:11

      Thank you. Yeah staying is my only option really. Very happy to have a job during this downturn.

      Also is it a problem if the tech stack I am using at my current company is not widely used in the industry? My last company used AWS extensively, and at this company it is IBM cloud. Will that hurt my chances when it comes time to look for another job?

      • SmiTTy on 29/09/2023 - 08:42

        I would think it helps because you've got a broader range of experience

  • JafferMoney on 29/09/2023 - 08:12
    +2

    I'm assuming 'yoe' means years of experience…many won't know what 'yoe' means…maybe this kind of thinking got you laid off kid.

    3 years of experience earning less than your first year…that is a red flag, $85k seems quite minimal for a software engineer with 3 years under their belt, have you got any feedback on your performance over these 3 years and how it stacks up to your peers?

    • LostInTranslation on 29/09/2023 - 08:18

      Sorry for the acronyms, just joined ozbargain.
      Yeah my manager was very happy and he was hoping to put me forward for promotion. Unfortunately the whole team was dissolved as the work we were going to do was subsumed into an offshore department. They told all of us on a zoom call at once.

  • FoxJump on 29/09/2023 - 08:23

    i was earning 100k s few years back and my income progression was stalled

    then the company shut, i got a new job and now in 150k

    so, just cos you have a job doesn't stop you for looking for a higher paying one

  • brokenglish on 29/09/2023 - 08:28
    +11

    Stop comparing yourself to others.
    At any level, there are always people earning higher than you.

    Are you happy with your current job? Stay.
    Not happy? Jump ship.
    It’s that simple.

  • Stopback on 29/09/2023 - 08:29

    What skills do you have and how are you dev

    • LostInTranslation on 29/09/2023 - 08:30

      Software Engineer (specialised as AWS Backend Developer)

      • AustriaBargain on 29/09/2023 - 08:35

        Do you feel you could reskill/respecialise on the job if you have to? You probably shouldn't worry if you think yes.

        • LostInTranslation on 29/09/2023 - 08:40

          Well my new company uses IBM cloud so that is what I am reskilling in.

          Problem is virtually no companies use IBM cloud so not sure if that will hinder me in getting the next job.

  • Tomhaigh1 on 29/09/2023 - 08:40

    Its not a race, its a marathon.
    Temporary setbacks are common, just keep an eye on the goal, and change jobs when the timing is right.
    Many times engineers earn more than senior managements.

  • singlemalt72 on 29/09/2023 - 08:41

    Just a quick look on Seek - seems to be a lot of jobs advertising $100-$150K, though for slightly more senior roles - some offering WFH with minimal office attendance (could be done from anywhere in the country), if you are unhappy with your career, might be time to start selling yourself.

  • holdenmg on 29/09/2023 - 08:55

    If you are worried about where your career is heading you can self-assess https://www.acs.org.au/professionalrecognition/mysfia-b2c.ht… using the ACS mySFIA.

    Lots of benefits in joining https://www.acs.org.au/join-acs.html

  • Protractor on 29/09/2023 - 09:12

    Surely there's more software engineers than there is baristas, these days?

    Join the military

  • Drakesy on 29/09/2023 - 10:19

    The first 5 years of your career are the most critical.

    I jumped around 3 times and don't regret it. Learnt how to do the job (and how not to do the job).

    Now in a space that's 3 x my grad salary and it's only getting better.

    • LostInTranslation on 29/09/2023 - 10:43

      I'm a career changer who went back to do an IT degree at the age of 40 so my 5 years are coming a bit later in the plan. But still good to know

  • ddilrat on 03/10/2023 - 12:10

    My advice would be try not to worry about money and titles at this point of your career. Focus simply on getting the best experience you can. For some it is becoming an expert in one area or for others it is getting a broad range of experience. You will notice in a few years time these will become highly regarded your mates who moved up in a particular area too quickly may get stuck. Just my 2 cents but this has worked out well for me.

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