u/Designer-Spite72

​

I'm 27, from India, with a BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and around 3+ years of experience in mechanical/product design and product development.

I've reached a point where I'm genuinely questioning my entire career direction.

I currently work in mechanical/product design, and although I've learned a lot, I honestly cannot see myself doing this for the next 10–20 years. More importantly, I don't see the earning potential I want from staying in this path unless I move into management or very specialized roles.

My goal isn't to become insanely rich overnight. I want strong income growth, financial independence, and a good quality of life. But I feel like I'm at a stage where I need to make a serious decision rather than continue drifting.

I'm considering several completely different paths:

1. Switch into Robotics / Software

I've been considering learning Python, C++, Linux, ROS2, robotics, controls, etc., and trying to transition from mechanical engineering into robotics/automation.

The advantage is that I can use my mechanical background rather than throwing it away completely.

But I'm also wondering whether I'm approaching this correctly. Should I actually spend 6–12 months building serious projects and trying to transition, or is this unrealistic at 27 with a mechanical background?

2. Master's abroad

I'm also considering a Master's in Germany/Austria or elsewhere in Europe, preferably in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, etc.

The problem is the ROI.

If I'm going abroad, spending 2 years and a significant amount of money only to come back into a mediocre-paying job doesn't make sense to me.

I'd only want to do it if the Master's genuinely gives me access to a much better career and long-term earning potential.

3. GATE 2027 → IIT

Another option is to prepare seriously for GATE 2027 and try to get into an IIT for M.Tech.

This would be considerably cheaper than going abroad and could potentially help me reset my career.

But I'd lose 2 years of earning and I'm not sure whether an IIT M.Tech would actually give me the career/income transformation I'm looking for.

4. Move to another city and get a better job

I could move to Hyderabad/Pune and find a better-paying job while simultaneously upskilling into robotics/automation/software.

This seems like the safest option, but I'm worried I'll simply spend another 2–3 years working while telling myself I'll switch "next year."

5. Start a company

I also have an unusual opportunity in Pune where one of my clients has discussed starting a company together.

This isn't just a random startup idea — there is an actual industry connection and potential opportunity.

The obvious downside is risk. I don't know yet whether it has enough traction to justify betting my career on it.

6. Other side options

I've also thought about doing something alongside my career — investing/finance, content creation around trekking/travel, etc.

But realistically I know I can't seriously pursue 5 things simultaneously.

\---

The biggest problem

I feel like I'm constantly thinking:

"What if I choose the wrong path again?"

I already regret not considering software/technology earlier. I chose Mechanical Engineering when I was younger and now I feel like I've reached the ceiling of what I want financially.

I don't hate engineering.

I actually enjoy designing products and building things.

But I can't see myself doing traditional mechanical design for the rest of my career, especially if the income growth remains limited.

I don't want to wake up at 35 and realize I spent another 8 years in the same situation.

At the same time, I don't want to make a desperate career switch just because software/AI/robotics currently looks more lucrative.

So I'm trying to think rationally rather than emotionally.

If you were me, what would you do?

Given my situation:

\- 27 years old

\- Mechanical Engineering degree

\- 3+ years industry experience

\- Mechanical/product design background

\- Some exposure to automation/robotics/product development

\- Willing to learn programming seriously

\- Willing to relocate

\- Interested in entrepreneurship

\- Interested in Master's abroad

\- Main objective = high career/income growth + good quality of life

Which path would you choose if you had to pick ONE for the next 2–3 years?

Would you:

1. Transition into robotics/software?

2. Do a Master's abroad?

3. Prepare for GATE and target IIT?

4. Get a better job and upskill alongside it?

5. Take the Pune startup opportunity?

6. Do something completely different?

And if you've made a similar transition from Mechanical → Software/Robotics/Tech, what would you do differently if you were starting at 27?

I'm not looking for motivational advice. I'd genuinely appreciate brutally honest opinions, especially from people who have actually made these transitions or are 5–10 years ahead in their careers.

I feel stuck and I really want to choose a direction, commit to it, and stop jumping between possibilities.

​

I'm 27, from India, with a BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and around 3+ years of experience in mechanical/product design and product development.

I've reached a point where I'm genuinely questioning my entire career direction.

I currently work in mechanical/product design, and although I've learned a lot, I honestly cannot see myself doing this for the next 10–20 years. More importantly, I don't see the earning potential I want from staying in this path unless I move into management or very specialized roles.

My goal isn't to become insanely rich overnight. I want strong income growth, financial independence, and a good quality of life. But I feel like I'm at a stage where I need to make a serious decision rather than continue drifting.

I'm considering several completely different paths:

I've been considering learning Python, C++, Linux, ROS2, robotics, controls, etc., and trying to transition from mechanical engineering into robotics/automation.

The advantage is that I can use my mechanical background rather than throwing it away completely.

But I'm also wondering whether I'm approaching this correctly. Should I actually spend 6–12 months building serious projects and trying to transition, or is this unrealistic at 27 with a mechanical background?

2. Master's abroad

I'm also considering a Master's in Germany/Austria or elsewhere in Europe, preferably in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, etc.

The problem is the ROI.

If I'm going abroad, spending 2 years and a significant amount of money only to come back into a mediocre-paying job doesn't make sense to me.

I'd only want to do it if the Master's genuinely gives me access to a much better career and long-term earning potential.

3. GATE 2027 → IIT

Another option is to prepare seriously for GATE 2027 and try to get into an IIT for M.Tech.

This would be considerably cheaper than going abroad and could potentially help me reset my career.

But I'd lose 2 years of earning and I'm not sure whether an IIT M.Tech would actually give me the career/income transformation I'm looking for.

4. Move to another city and get a better job

I could move to Hyderabad/Pune and find a better-paying job while simultaneously upskilling into robotics/automation/software.

This seems like the safest option, but I'm worried I'll simply spend another 2–3 years working while telling myself I'll switch "next year."

5. Start a company

I also have an unusual opportunity in Pune where one of my clients has discussed starting a company together.

This isn't just a random startup idea — there is an actual industry connection and potential opportunity.

The obvious downside is risk. I don't know yet whether it has enough traction to justify betting my career on it.

6. Other side options

I've also thought about doing something alongside my career — investing/finance, content creation around trekking/travel, etc.

But realistically I know I can't seriously pursue 5 things simultaneously.

---

The biggest problem

I feel like I'm constantly thinking:

"What if I choose the wrong path again?"

I already regret not considering software/technology earlier. I chose Mechanical Engineering when I was younger and now I feel like I've reached the ceiling of what I want financially.

I don't hate engineering.

I actually enjoy designing products and building things.

But I can't see myself doing traditional mechanical design for the rest of my career, especially if the income growth remains limited.

I don't want to wake up at 35 and realize I spent another 8 years in the same situation.

At the same time, I don't want to make a desperate career switch just because software/AI/robotics currently looks more lucrative.

So I'm trying to think rationally rather than emotionally.

If you were me, what would you do?

Given my situation:

- 27 years old

- Mechanical Engineering degree

- 3+ years industry experience

- Mechanical/product design background

- Some exposure to automation/robotics/product development

- Willing to learn programming seriously

- Willing to relocate

- Interested in entrepreneurship

- Interested in Master's abroad

- Main objective = high career/income growth + good quality of life

Which path would you choose if you had to pick ONE for the next 2–3 years?

Would you:

And if you've made a similar transition from Mechanical → Software/Robotics/Tech, what would you do differently if you were starting at 27?

I'm not looking for motivational advice. I'd genuinely appreciate brutally honest opinions, especially from people who have actually made these transitions or are 5–10 years ahead in their careers.

I feel stuck and I really want to choose a direction, commit to it, and stop jumping between possibilities.

​

I'm 27, from India, with a Mechanical Engineering degree and 3+ years of experience in mechanical/product design. I've worked on product development, automation and robotics-related projects, but honestly, I can't see myself staying in traditional mechanical engineering long-term, mainly because of the limited salary growth.

My end goal is simple: high income growth, financial independence and a good quality of life.

Right now I'm stuck between several options:

Switch to Robotics/Software — learn Python, C++, Linux, ROS2, controls, etc. and transition into robotics/automation.

Master's abroad — Germany/Austria in Robotics/Automation/Mechatronics, but only if the ROI is genuinely worth it.

GATE 2027 → IIT M.Tech — potentially a cheaper way to reset my career and get into a better-paying field.

Move to Hyderabad/Pune — get a better job and transition while working.

Startup — I have an actual opportunity in Pune to start a company with a client and potentially grow it.

I also think about side income/content/investing, but I know I can't seriously pursue everything at once.

The biggest problem is I keep jumping between options and can't commit to one. I don't want to make another wrong decision and realize at 30–35 that I wasted more years.

If you were 27, in my exact position, what would you do?

Would you choose Robotics/Software, Master's abroad, IIT/GATE, a better job + upskilling, or the startup?

Especially interested in advice from people who have actually made a Mechanical → Tech/Robotics/Software transition or are further ahead in their careers.

I don't need motivation — I want brutally honest, practical advice about which path has the best long-term career and earning potential.

​

I'm 27, from India, with a BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and around 3+ years of experience in mechanical/product design and product development.

I've reached a point where I'm genuinely questioning my entire career direction.

I currently work in mechanical/product design, and although I've learned a lot, I honestly cannot see myself doing this for the next 10–20 years. More importantly, I don't see the earning potential I want from staying in this path unless I move into management or very specialized roles.

My goal isn't to become insanely rich overnight. I want strong income growth, financial independence, and a good quality of life. But I feel like I'm at a stage where I need to make a serious decision rather than continue drifting.

I'm considering several completely different paths:

1. Switch into Robotics / Software

I've been considering learning Python, C++, Linux, ROS2, robotics, controls, etc., and trying to transition from mechanical engineering into robotics/automation.

The advantage is that I can use my mechanical background rather than throwing it away completely.

But I'm also wondering whether I'm approaching this correctly. Should I actually spend 6–12 months building serious projects and trying to transition, or is this unrealistic at 27 with a mechanical background?

2. Master's abroad

I'm also considering a Master's in Germany/Austria or elsewhere in Europe, preferably in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, etc.

The problem is the ROI.

If I'm going abroad, spending 2 years and a significant amount of money only to come back into a mediocre-paying job doesn't make sense to me.

I'd only want to do it if the Master's genuinely gives me access to a much better career and long-term earning potential.

3. GATE 2027 → IIT

Another option is to prepare seriously for GATE 2027 and try to get into an IIT for M.Tech.

This would be considerably cheaper than going abroad and could potentially help me reset my career.

But I'd lose 2 years of earning and I'm not sure whether an IIT M.Tech would actually give me the career/income transformation I'm looking for.

4. Move to another city and get a better job

I could move to Hyderabad/Pune and find a better-paying job while simultaneously upskilling into robotics/automation/software.

This seems like the safest option, but I'm worried I'll simply spend another 2–3 years working while telling myself I'll switch "next year."

5. Start a company

I also have an unusual opportunity in Pune where one of my clients has discussed starting a company together.

This isn't just a random startup idea — there is an actual industry connection and potential opportunity.

The obvious downside is risk. I don't know yet whether it has enough traction to justify betting my career on it.

6. Other side options

I've also thought about doing something alongside my career — investing/finance, content creation around trekking/travel, etc.

But realistically I know I can't seriously pursue 5 things simultaneously.

\---

The biggest problem

I feel like I'm constantly thinking:

"What if I choose the wrong path again?"

I already regret not considering software/technology earlier. I chose Mechanical Engineering when I was younger and now I feel like I've reached the ceiling of what I want financially.

I don't hate engineering.

I actually enjoy designing products and building things.

But I can't see myself doing traditional mechanical design for the rest of my career, especially if the income growth remains limited.

I don't want to wake up at 35 and realize I spent another 8 years in the same situation.

At the same time, I don't want to make a desperate career switch just because software/AI/robotics currently looks more lucrative.

So I'm trying to think rationally rather than emotionally.

If you were me, what would you do?

Given my situation:

\- 27 years old

\- Mechanical Engineering degree

\- 3+ years industry experience

\- Mechanical/product design background

\- Some exposure to automation/robotics/product development

\- Willing to learn programming seriously

\- Willing to relocate

\- Interested in entrepreneurship

\- Interested in Master's abroad

\- Main objective = high career/income growth + good quality of life

Which path would you choose if you had to pick ONE for the next 2–3 years?

Would you:

1. Transition into robotics/software?

2. Do a Master's abroad?

3. Prepare for GATE and target IIT?

4. Get a better job and upskill alongside it?

5. Take the Pune startup opportunity?

6. Do something completely different?

And if you've made a similar transition from Mechanical → Software/Robotics/Tech, what would you do differently if you were starting at 27?

I'm not looking for motivational advice. I'd genuinely appreciate brutally honest opinions, especially from people who have actually made these transitions or are 5–10 years ahead in their careers.

I feel stuck and I really want to choose a direction, commit to it, and stop jumping between possibilities.

​

I'm 27, from India, with a BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and around 3+ years of experience in mechanical/product design and product development.

I've reached a point where I'm genuinely questioning my entire career direction.

I currently work in mechanical/product design, and although I've learned a lot, I honestly cannot see myself doing this for the next 10–20 years. More importantly, I don't see the earning potential I want from staying in this path unless I move into management or very specialized roles.

My goal isn't to become insanely rich overnight. I want strong income growth, financial independence, and a good quality of life. But I feel like I'm at a stage where I need to make a serious decision rather than continue drifting.

I'm considering several completely different paths:

1. Switch into Robotics / Software

I've been considering learning Python, C++, Linux, ROS2, robotics, controls, etc., and trying to transition from mechanical engineering into robotics/automation.

The advantage is that I can use my mechanical background rather than throwing it away completely.

But I'm also wondering whether I'm approaching this correctly. Should I actually spend 6–12 months building serious projects and trying to transition, or is this unrealistic at 27 with a mechanical background?

2. Master's abroad

I'm also considering a Master's in Germany/Austria or elsewhere in Europe, preferably in Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, etc.

The problem is the ROI.

If I'm going abroad, spending 2 years and a significant amount of money only to come back into a mediocre-paying job doesn't make sense to me.

I'd only want to do it if the Master's genuinely gives me access to a much better career and long-term earning potential.

3. GATE 2027 → IIT

Another option is to prepare seriously for GATE 2027 and try to get into an IIT for M.Tech.

This would be considerably cheaper than going abroad and could potentially help me reset my career.

But I'd lose 2 years of earning and I'm not sure whether an IIT M.Tech would actually give me the career/income transformation I'm looking for.

4. Move to another city and get a better job

I could move to Hyderabad/Pune and find a better-paying job while simultaneously upskilling into robotics/automation/software.

This seems like the safest option, but I'm worried I'll simply spend another 2–3 years working while telling myself I'll switch "next year."

5. Start a company

I also have an unusual opportunity in Pune where one of my clients has discussed starting a company together.

This isn't just a random startup idea — there is an actual industry connection and potential opportunity.

The obvious downside is risk. I don't know yet whether it has enough traction to justify betting my career on it.

6. Other side options

I've also thought about doing something alongside my career — investing/finance, content creation around trekking/travel, etc.

But realistically I know I can't seriously pursue 5 things simultaneously.

The biggest problem

I feel like I'm constantly thinking:

"What if I choose the wrong path again?"

I already regret not considering software/technology earlier. I chose Mechanical Engineering when I was younger and now I feel like I've reached the ceiling of what I want financially.

I don't hate engineering.

I actually enjoy designing products and building things.

But I can't see myself doing traditional mechanical design for the rest of my career, especially if the income growth remains limited.

I don't want to wake up at 35 and realize I spent another 8 years in the same situation.

At the same time, I don't want to make a desperate career switch just because software/AI/robotics currently looks more lucrative.

So I'm trying to think rationally rather than emotionally.

If you were me, what would you do?

Given my situation:

27 years old

Mechanical Engineering degree

3+ years industry experience

Mechanical/product design background

Some exposure to automation/robotics/product development

Willing to learn programming seriously

Willing to relocate

Interested in entrepreneurship

Interested in Master's abroad

Main objective = high career/income growth + good quality of life

Which path would you choose if you had to pick ONE for the next 2–3 years?

Would you:

Transition into robotics/software?

Do a Master's abroad?

Prepare for GATE and target IIT?

Get a better job and upskill alongside it?

Take the Pune startup opportunity?

Do something completely different?

And if you've made a similar transition from Mechanical → Software/Robotics/Tech, what would you do differently if you were starting at 27?

I'm not looking for motivational advice. I'd genuinely appreciate brutally honest opinions, especially from people who have actually made these transitions or are 5–10 years ahead in their careers.

I feel stuck and I really want to choose a direction, commit to it, and stop jumping between possibilities.