Tradeoffs in Engineering Identity

A VP of Engineering reflects on the tradeoffs that shape engineering identity and career growth. Drawing from conversations with a CTO and a Director of Technology, the post explores the value of T-shaped engineers who combine breadth with depth. It examines three core tradeoffs: speed vs. consistency (including burnout risks from unrealistic productivity expectations), customer focus vs. tech focus (referencing Will Larson's four team states from 'An Elegant Puzzle'), and career growth vs. stability (job-hopping for salary gains vs. long-term organizational knowledge).