I have a very related job, as test engineer on a web application and have in some places very similar experiences. I might write my own post but this post already covers part of it.
Software testing is easier to transition into from an unrelated background and requires a somewhat different skillset and mindset. People who are more conscientious or more generalist may be a better fit for testing. Rather than working on a small part of the application, you work on the entire application (or at least a bigger part of it, depending on the product or company) and can sometimes understand interactions that developers are less likely to see. Collaboration skills are very important.
There is a (mis)conception that testing, especially manual testing, is boring and monotonous. There is a grain of truth in that but it gets better when you become a more senior tester, get to automate things, and improve the overall testing workflow in the company.
I roughly agree with your notes on the “path to impact”. Web development or testing can be a reasonable plan B or plan Z career path.
I have a very related job, as test engineer on a web application and have in some places very similar experiences. I might write my own post but this post already covers part of it.
Software testing is easier to transition into from an unrelated background and requires a somewhat different skillset and mindset. People who are more conscientious or more generalist may be a better fit for testing. Rather than working on a small part of the application, you work on the entire application (or at least a bigger part of it, depending on the product or company) and can sometimes understand interactions that developers are less likely to see. Collaboration skills are very important. There is a (mis)conception that testing, especially manual testing, is boring and monotonous. There is a grain of truth in that but it gets better when you become a more senior tester, get to automate things, and improve the overall testing workflow in the company.
I roughly agree with your notes on the “path to impact”. Web development or testing can be a reasonable plan B or plan Z career path.