Worst time to try to break into SWE?
I'm a program manager with 2 YoE. Realized I made a mistake and I'm not suited for this role. I make good money for my age currently, but earning potential may stagnate, as there are not many great options externally for this role. Is it worth dropping it all and taking a pay cut to try to break into a SWE role? With all the offshoring, AI, and layoffs, I'm worried the entry level SWE job is pretty much dead for those like me trying to break in. I have a CS degree but no SWE experience. Other options I'm considering are data scientist or security engineer. Or, stay as program manager and slowly lose likelihood of breaking into technical role.
Do you legitimately enjoy programming and overcoming challenges in your learning? If not it's going to be a tough slag. If yes, if you put the work in you should switch.
I like it and enjoy it but im not super passionate about it, which might make my journey tough if it's going to be such a massive uphill battle
What are you making as a program manager?
There has always been offshoring. AI is good at autofill type stuff and does increase productivity but is unlikely to replace entry level engineers at any time soon. Layoffs have also always happened (it’s only new at the mega tech companies, but even then Amazon has always pip’d). There is not much you can lose by grinding LC and just start applying. The fact that you have a CS degree and at least adjacent experience still probably puts you ahead of fresh grads.