There comes a time in a hands-on Software person’s career when they are tired of doing the same thing again and again, day after day, for so many years. There are exceptions, but generally this is the case with any Software hands-on position, and not just Software Testing.
I came across this article in Reddit where the questioner wanted to know how to grow into various other roles if one is tired of hands-on Software Testing. For people who have been in Software Testing for 10+ years, the feeling is relatable. Even if one changes their domain, the Software Testing part of it could still create fatigue, that needs to be managed.
Fortunately, today’s tech. scene provides a variety of opportunities that you could grow into if you are tired and bored of hands-on Software Testing. There’s always the traditional role of becoming a manager of a team of Software Testers. I have also seen people become Product Managers, Product Owners, Directors, and even Program Managers.
On the technical side, you could grow as a Technologist and specialize in an industry to provide Software Testing solutions and strategies to organisations.
For the brave-hearts, there is always the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur and provide product testing and consulting services, as well as new innovations in Software Testing (including, of course, the tools!). The other option is to grow as an industry-recognized consultant in Software Testing, preferably on a specific vertical, because the vertical or the industry holds the key in tech. growth (of course, there are exceptions).
There’s one thing that I’m always excited about, which is in the Business Analysis side of things. As we all know, and as I have wrote and spoke about a couple of times, preventing the defects at the requirements stage would the be most shift-leftest (!) thing you can do in Quality, and for that, you got to be aligned with Business Analysis. It would not require you to be hands-on on Software Testing, but verify and validate requirements of a product, and potentially work closely with the product owners and the product architects. Sounds exciting? How about taking a business analysis course?
There is no shortage of career options if one wishes to move away from hands-on testing. Experiment a while for yourself and see what gives you fulfilment in terms of income, skills, and working on something you love.
If you need some coaching or guidance on working on your career map, feel free to setup an initial free consultation with me. Happy Testing (or maybe Happily Not Testing! 🙂 )