Why Software Engineers should start their own business toady
Engineering is a technical discipline and businesses require vision and strategy. It’s easy for to get stuck in chasing the latest framework to keep your technical skills sharp. However, the value of any technical skill is relative to the business context in which it’s being used, particularly in the private sector.
Like every other industry software engineering is prone to change and disruption. From AI and the rise in vibe coding or CEO’s making pronouncements declaring SDE’s fully replaceable by AI or business cycle downturns that a cause company with limited cash flow to prematurely place a revenue generating app into maintenance mode, there’s no way to simply upskill your way into 100% job security.
The only way to prevent being laid off is to start your own business. As it turns out one of the best ways to rapidly advance your skills and deepen your experience is also to start your own business.
Most people are familiar with the idea of a side hustle and for many its a very good way to build confidence if you decide to quit your job and commit all your energy to growing your business. However, its also good if you decide to pivot to a new position. If you enjoy working for large or midsize companies but want more control over your career path like moving from:
- Software Developer Engineer to Product Manager
- Software Developer Engineer to Architect.
- Software Developer Engineer to Engineering Manager
In my experience taking control your career has less to do with accumulating technical skills and more to do with value generation and successfully solving problems that block value generation. Over the years I've heard countless times the best and fastest way to get promoted is to 'do the job you want to be promoted into'. While there's some truth to this saying I've found that many are blindsided by the reality of office politics which can lead to resentment, performance issues and career stagnation. But when you start your own company you don't have to battle for access and authority to make decisions because you occupy every position in that company from day one and is the easiest way to create an environment where you are in total control of what you decide to explore, work on, develop and service. It also gives you total control over how you decide to work.
If you value professional autonomy and total control over your career it could be one of the best decisions you could make.