I’ve been working with SAP for about a decade now. I began my journey as an ABAP programmer and later expanded into techno-functional areas. After relocating to America, I took a year-long break from work. Now I’m feeling completely drained and need to figure out my next move.
I’m thinking about three main options: returning to pure coding work, specializing more in functional consulting, or maybe exploring SAP opportunities that involve low-code platforms, data analytics, or artificial intelligence.
I really need some guidance on a few things:
What SAP specializations or career directions have strong market demand and long-term potential?
Would my combined technical and functional background be valuable for making career changes?
Has anyone here successfully transitioned away from SAP entirely into more interesting positions?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences or any advice you might have!
I totally get this - felt the exact same way a few years ago! What changed everything for me was jumping into SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform) integration. You’re still in the SAP world, but now you’re connecting cloud services and different systems - way more exciting than regular ABAP work. Companies are desperate for BTP people right now, so the money’s good too. My ABAP background helped with the technical stuff, and my functional experience was huge for talking between IT and business teams. Don’t underestimate that skill - bridging IT and business is incredibly valuable. I’d grab some BTP training while you figure out your next move.
After a decade, you’re probably just burned out from endless corporate politics in SAP gigs. Everyone’s hyping AI and BTP, but most companies still can’t handle basic S/4 migrations. Want something different? Check out SAP’s sustainability solutions or supply chain work - at least you’d solve real problems instead of building dashboards nobody touches. Your techno-functional background works great for product owner roles where you can ditch the coding grind.
Having navigated a similar journey, I understand the feeling of being burnt out after years in SAP. However, your blend of technical and functional expertise is a tremendous asset. Instead of viewing your options as separate paths, consider how they can intersect. The current market is buzzing with opportunities in S/4HANA transformations, particularly for those who can bridge the gap between technical specifications and business requirements. Your experience with ABAP positions you well for roles that require bespoke solutions amidst evolving technologies. Notably, SAP’s shift towards cloud integrations means there’s a high demand for professionals who are adept at both traditional and modern technologies. If you’re contemplating a move away from SAP, your skills in analytics and integration are highly transferable to fields like enterprise architecture or product management. The key is to frame your SAP experience as a comprehensive foundation in business technology rather than a narrow focus on one platform.
Your mixed background is pure gold! SAP Analytics Cloud and SuccessFactors are booming right now. Take that break you need, then dive into cloud certifications. You’ve got this!
after 10 years, you probably need a completely different environment. I switched from SAP to Salesforce development last year and never looked back - way less corporate BS and the community’s amazing. your functional skills transfer really well to other platforms, so don’t feel trapped in the SAP world forever.
Your timing is perfect for jumping into AI-integrated SAP roles. The market is hungry for people who get both traditional SAP and AI - major consulting firms are throwing 25-40% salary premiums at these hybrid positions. Your ABAP background is actually gold here. You understand data structures and system limits that pure AI folks miss completely. I’d focus on SAP’s embedded AI in S/4HANA or their AI Business Services - that’s where your mixed skills really pay off. Look, burnout happens to all of us long-time SAP people. But AI integration work? It’s genuinely exciting and uses everything you already know. Companies are desperate for someone who can take AI concepts and actually make them work in SAP.