[RiderOfGiraffes]

My feeling is that topology can help your abstract thinking as it's likely to be in engineering, but abstract algebra less so. Having said that, if you're not actually inclined to take these subjects, you'll probably end up struggling and not caring.

Topology, and the insights it brings, can make some of the analysis and linear algebra make more sense - there are unifying concepts and structures. Abstract algebra is more about symmetries and actions, and while also useful, possibly don't give the same sorts of insights.

Just my $0.02.

[sz]

Doesn't topology past a certain basic level rely on algebra pretty heavily?

[RiderOfGiraffes]

There are two flavors of tolopogy: Point/Set and Algebraic. Point/Set topology is really useful in understanding how things can go wrong, and what's true for sure in analysis. Algebraic topology is less obviously useful for things like engineering.