Software engineering salaries come from one of three budgets (swizec.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how software engineering salaries come from one of three budgets: sales/marketing, research and development, and maintenance. Each budget has its own characteristics, such as measurable impact, long-term focus, and cost optimization. The author argues that understanding which budget your work belongs to can shape your day-to-day experience and career trajectory. The article provides insights into the differences between these budgets and their implications for software engineers.

Main themes

• software engineering budgets
• company priorities
• career development
• industry trends
• leadership and management
• job satisfaction

What commenters say

• Some companies value software development as a core part of their business, while others see it as a cost center.
• The type of company or industry does not necessarily determine the value placed on software engineering.
• Working in a company where software is not the primary product can still be rewarding and challenging for engineers.
• The value placed on software engineering is often dependent on the company's leadership and priorities.
• Engineers should consider the company's priorities and values when choosing a job or career path.
• The distinction between different types of companies or budgets is not always clear-cut, and individual experiences can vary widely.
• A company's attitude towards software engineering can be inferred from its tooling, open-source activity, and decision-making processes.
• Good management and leadership can have a greater impact on an engineer's job satisfaction than the type of company or budget.