I have found that, despite sharing the same job title, product management roles vary widely. Moving from hardware to software product management can be surprisingly straightforward, and I have seen many make that leap with ease. The reverse transition, however, proves far more challenging because the technical demands and compliance requirements of hardware can feel like an entirely different world.
When considering your next career move, remember this oddness at the heart of the role. As a manager I have often seen Product Managers courted by recruiters with promises of senior titles and substantial pay rises. A thirty per cent salary increase may transform your lifestyle, but it is essential to examine the day‑to‑day dynamics of the new role. If you discover that you miss the hands‑on hardware environment or that the challenges you once relished have vanished, boredom can set in faster than you anticipate. Above all, make sure the role still carries the attributes that made product management meaningful to you in the first place, rather than letting the salary eclipse what truly matters.
From my own experience as a manager, I know that understanding what truly motivates you is as important as chasing the next title or salary package. Test the waters where you can, learn where you feel most energised and challenged. Trust that you can always return to the domain you love most.
Part of the DNA Insights woven through the book The DNA of a Product Manager.
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