I did consulting (management consulting, not software) after a PhD and I would have written something similar after a few months. And there is a lot of truth to it. But if you stick with it, you realize what a bubble you were living in in academia and how varied (and tough) the real world is. It's not for everyone (and honestly I wasn't very good at it) but it's an experience that can really help you grow if you're open to it.
I would say it makes you have to prove yourself to new people every project, which is scary but let's you feel the full weight of what you are doing and not just coast on past achievements.
And as a technical person, you learn how technical skill and rigor is looked upon and weighted by the people that are paying. Like the author says, it's often an afterthought, but its valuable to learn this first hand.
My wife has managed labs for various universities. All I know and understand - obviously peripherally from meeting various peoples - is that I will never do a PhD, never get into Academia and I would advise almost anyone else the same.
Which is a real shame, because I love the romantic concept of science and advancing knowledge for the world!
But todays academic systems seems borderline pathologically damaging to the humans involved.
I would love to have a chat with your regarding your experience and ask you some question about the learning curve. My contact details are in my profile.
I would say it makes you have to prove yourself to new people every project, which is scary but let's you feel the full weight of what you are doing and not just coast on past achievements.
And as a technical person, you learn how technical skill and rigor is looked upon and weighted by the people that are paying. Like the author says, it's often an afterthought, but its valuable to learn this first hand.