[6272connect]

I appreciate the perspective that there's no single, fixed path, as wanderingpixel pointed out. My experience has been similar; I've shifted focus quite a bit over the years from pure data engineering to DevSecOps, and now incorporating AI platform engineering. Each move was less about a grand plan and more about what aligned with my skills and interests at that moment, combined with available opportunities.

mikewarot's point about work being what you do to pay for life, not the other way around, really resonates. It's tough to balance, but for me, continuously refining what I `want` to do versus what I `have` to do has been critical. Keeping those connections open, like mikewarot suggests, also consistently brings new perspectives and options.