
Thinking of getting into product and starting fresh, but the reduction in product roles going forward makes me think will I do another career step mistake . Please suggest

Talking product sense with Ridhi
9 min AI interview5 questions

You being worried of your situation is okay, however you need to work on avoiding suicidal thoughts... There are many people who are jobless and dreaming for a job which pays 25K

I have gotten myself into a situation where there is minimal upside from what I could have had... I dread thinking of next step going wrong

I think you should stop thinking about what could have been and instead solely focus on what can be done next... There are a lot of opportunities but you wouldn't be able to capitalise on them if you are stressed and worried

You can again apply and go for masters ?

Working in software Going for masters in mechanical doesn't make sense as in mechanical.. experience is valued more and starting at 29/30 years from scratch in mech abroad is super risky with low pay and low chance of building career back in India after few years

Everyone and there grandmother is thinking of going into product. Senior engineers, burnt out engineers, MBAs, anyone who breaths and want to make money is going into product.

This is what concerns me I feel I'll make another wrong move

What makes you think that getting into PM is such a walk in the park?

I'm not gonna lie here but this is what happens when you go with flow. Mechanical guy headed cultural/dance events in engg college where he did ok ok but interested in research and wanted to do masters ended up joining software company and upgraded in some random shit.
Do you see? You have been going no where for long, my friend. Life is too short but gives you many opportunities. Don't lose hope, talk to yourself. Straight. No bullshit, no crap and decide what's realistic for you. Or else, you will cross this road again in 10 years.

Hey I acknowledge that it's random. But I did start research and worked for a while too. Had an admit for MS. But couldn't start it during mid pandemic and needed a job. Did the mistake of not scouting in the same domain and that is when downturn started. Yes this is why I'm being honest with myself and speaking to peers and trying to at least course correct and do well

Do not make career discussions based on pay. If you are interested in what you do, you WILL make money

Make a switch if you like software engineering to a mid cap organisation. Keep working on your skills. Markets are tough now, however over a period of year or so, things will be better. Just try to switch to a place you can learn more and when it’s your chance you will grow like crazy!

Why not go back to what you actually wanted to do? Research and Masters?
You have so much life ahead. 3 years is a small price to pay. You should take this as a learning and move on

You can still pursue MS in whatever field you want to work for. I have a friend who worked in a service based role and applied for MS in Robotics and got admitted to a good college in the US this year. Generally MS degrees are fine with no experience/ irrelevant experience.
If you wish to continue in software, i would suggest to upskill in any field (DevOps/Security/AI). If you learn seriously, within 3-4 months you can switch to higher paying jobs in a Product based company similar to your friend.

First, make a switch in same field, that will get you some confidence to think what you need to do next. Just start giving interviews blindly (i.e. even if no not much preparation)