[aWidebrant]

In terms of the OSI model, I've gone from working with software on top of layer 7 to working on software and hardware at the bottom of layer 1.

It's been a fun and challenging transition, but my job satisfaction has mostly been determined by the people I work with rather than the subject matter.

Specifically to your points, I haven't really seen any major difference in the ratio between routine and creative programming at the high and at the low level. The amount of politics and business requirements has also been quite similar.