Unlocking the Path to Entrepreneurship: Why I Chose Business Over Software Engineering

Every professional's journey is uniquely shaped by personal and professional goals. For me, the path of software engineering was a stepping stone towards entrepreneurship—the ultimate realization of a dream that started with a clear vision but shifted under unexpected circumstances. This article explores why I chose to venture into business development after years of software engineering—and how it transformed my career trajectory.

From Software Engineer to Entrepreneur

My career began as a software engineer, driven by an ambition to apply my technical skills in a practical, innovative manner. I aspired to work in a development role that could provide the hands-on experience needed to start my own business. During my tenure as a software engineer, I had the opportunity to work on various IT functions including disaster recovery management, IT performance measurement, and more. However, while my initial career path was well-defined, it soon became clear that software engineering alone did not align with the long-term aspirations I had for my career.

The Bleak Prospects of Software Engineering

Many of my peers in the software engineering field faced similar challenges. Despite their extensive experience and technical know-how, the reality was that advancement was not always guaranteed, especially for those who did not climb to senior managerial positions by a certain age. This brought to light the limitations of the software development role, often seen as merely a code-mother or a technical role with little upward mobility.

Why Software Engineering Didnt Lead to Entrepreneurship

For someone with a clear vision for starting their own business, the prospect of remaining a software engineer was not enough to fulfill that dream. The lack of visible career progression in the software engineering field played a significant role in my decision to pivot towards business development. I needed a role that allowed me to explore broader aspects of management, customer interaction, and the strategic planning required to run a successful enterprise.

The Realization: My Software Career Wasnt for Me

Despite the initial attraction of the software engineering career, several factors led me to conclude that it was not the path for me. First, the pay, while good, did not support my vision for financial stability and family support. Second, my interactions with colleagues suggested that software engineers were often seen as interchangeable roles, not critical contributors to long-term business success.

My decision was further solidified by a re-evaluation of my personal interests and skills. It became apparent that I enjoyed the more human-centric aspects of business more than the technical aspects of programming. This realization came at a point when my interest in business development was reignited, leading me to re-examine my initial career plans.

My Initial Career Path and the Decision to Pivot

My journey began with a degree in computer science, followed by a stint as a software engineer. This was a pragmatic choice driven by a desire to gain the necessary experience before pursuing entrepreneurship. However, beyond the technical skills, I also developed a keen interest in the business and management aspects of tech product development and delivery.

The Influence of Family and Personal Development

Another important factor in my career change was the guidance of my father. Initially, he encouraged me to take a business path, reflecting his own vision for my future. However, my youthful independence led me to pursue a degree in commerce with a specialty in accounting. I began working in banks and consulting firms, where my initial duties involved building tools to enhance business processes. Over time, I realized that my true passion lay in programming, eventually leading me to a full-time coding career.

Despite this journey, I now reflect on my choices with a sense of regret. If I had followed my father's advice, I might have been in a better position to navigate the complexities of both technology and business. Thirty-two years at IBM, where my father saw the future, only further confirmed this introspection. In the end, I concluded that I had been an obstinate fool in defying my father's advice, and for that, I am an idiot.

Conclusion

The decision to transition from a software engineering career to business development was not made lightly. It was a result of a complex interplay of professional and personal factors, including the limitations of the software engineering role, the alignment of skills with personal interests, and the influence of external guidance. For anyone considering a similar career path, it is crucial to reflect on the balance between technical expertise and business acumen, as well as the long-term goals and aspirations that define success.