[mattcdrake]

This was my experience working in data science. I was extremely unhappy with the impact/results that I was able to deliver in my organization. Almost all of my analytics focused projects ended with a presentation to executives who promptly forgot about it and made decisions based on intuition anyway. It's draining to repeatedly push and push to a finish line that has no impact other than self-aggrandizement. Again, maybe this was just my organization - I'm not making statements about data science as a whole.

Over time I found that I love coding/delivering useful solutions to users - so I gradually positioned myself onto progressively more pure dev projects. I'm starting my first "real" software engineering role in a couple weeks, and I couldn't be more excited. :)

[kazinator]

Basically, you can't control anything by giving people data. You have to let people run your code on their devices. Now you're in the driver's seat.

[yesenadam]

This and the GP's description of presenting data to executives reminded me strongly of the role of the Shakespearean clown/fool, like in King Lear. Someone with a licence to speak truth to the King/Queen, often in riddles they don't fully understand, wisely reminding them of the right or prudent option.