Strategic Career Pivot: Software Development vs. Automation Engineering

The user is considering long-term career planning and debating between traditional software development and automation/robotics engineering due to future demand. This presents an opportunity to strategically pivot or specialize. Automation and robotics are rapidly growing fields, often involving strong software development skills (e.g., Python, C++, machine learning for control systems) but with a focus on physical systems, industrial processes, or intelligent agents. A strong long-term strategy might involve combining core software development expertise with specialized knowledge in automation, AI, IoT, or embedded systems, making one a more versatile and future-proof candidate. Look for roles like 'Robotics Software Engineer,' 'Automation Architect,' or 'Industrial AI Specialist.'