Carrier advice
carrier advice needed.
34-Year-Old Female with 13 Years in Testing
I have 13 years of experience in software testing, including exposure to automation. However, I’ve struggled to connect with automation tools like Java Selenium—it never felt intuitive or enjoyable.
Recently, I enrolled in an AI and Data Science course. With my ADHD brain, I find data science concepts much easier to grasp compared to traditional automation. I was genuinely excited about this new direction.
Two months ago, I was informed that my current project would end by November. Realistically, I couldn’t complete the data science course and begin job hunting in the AI domain within that short timeframe. So, I pivoted and enrolled in a Playwright course instead.
Important Note: I have an ongoing home loan, so financial stability is a key consideration.
Playwright has been surprisingly easy to learn—I’ve already completed 60% of the course. By the end of November, I could be ready to start applying for Playwright roles.
However, I’ve now learned that my current project has been extended for another 22 months.
This puts me at a crossroads:
- One part of me says: “Focus on Playwright, switch jobs soon, and improve your salary.”
- Another part says: “Stay in the current role, complete the AI course properly, and transition into the AI field later.”
I understand that AI offers better long-term prospects, but a job switch now could help me financially in the short term.
I don’t have many friends to discuss this with, so I’m seeking thoughtful guidance. What would you suggest?
Wont you be asked to go on bench for sometime?
If I were you, I would keep giving interviews within the company for other projects without prepping much or as little as possible.
But continue on the data science learning.
I do agree that short term it makes sense to switch job, but then after changing jobs I won’t be able to start prepping all over again and getting into the mindset isn’t easy. That will take time and this AI anxiety will keep looming not letting me a significant win which is job change.
But that’s my perspective.
Bench period is very limited and very tough to clear within company (kind of silent layoff is happening). It's true and worthy to note getting mindset again is not easy. Thankyou
