Explore the challenges and hidden rewards of product management. From overcoming repetitive tasks to handling uncertainties, this article offers insights, real-life examples, and practical advice to help product managers rediscover the value and purpose in their work. 🌟

Some product managers feel like mere tools 🛠️, believing their work is exhausting and pointless. Faced with this mindset, the author shares examples to help you rediscover the meaning in product management and adopt a new perspective. Let’s dive in and see if it resonates with you! 😊

Recently, during a chat with industry peers, we discussed the purpose of being a product manager.

Many believe that product management is the “preschool for CEOs” 🚀—a career path where one can grow quickly, find opportunities to start a business, and ultimately achieve financial freedom. 💰

However, in reality, many of us find ourselves reduced to “tools” or “firefighters,” constantly dealing with problems, feeling drained, and questioning the value of our work. Still, without a clear direction forward, we continue to stay on this path.

I’ve been reflecting on this lately too, and I’d like to share my thoughts in this article.

1. "Work is meaningless." "No, it’s not."

Some friends have shared that product work feels repetitive—drawing prototypes, writing requirements, and simply following instructions. It makes them feel like tools.

But in truth, this is a phase most of us go through—it’s not unique to product management.

In my four years of working across three different jobs, while the roles and tasks have varied, the core nature of product management has remained the same: user research, requirement analysis, design, implementation, data analysis, and iteration. It’s like a Möbius strip—each version is a cycle, repeating over and over.

In my second year, I realized that repetitive work exists in every industry and environment. Without breaking through, you’ll remain stuck in this loop.

Some people I know have been in entry-level roles for years, possibly because they got trapped in this cycle. Is it a lack of opportunities? Not entirely. Opportunities exist, but they weren’t seized because these individuals stayed within their comfort zones.

2. "Turning uncertainty into certainty is your value."

Others complain that product work is mentally exhausting—like being a firefighter 🚒, constantly solving problems, repeatedly communicating with stakeholders, and often facing challenges and doubts.

Product work is indeed demanding, largely because it’s filled with uncertainty.

In major companies, interview questions like "How many cars are there in Beijing?" or "How many people own homes in Shenzhen?" test our ability to analyze and think critically.

In practice, we deal with uncertainties of all sizes—from dissatisfied users to questions like "How do we increase conversion rates by 5% this year?" The essence of product management is turning these uncertainties into actionable solutions.

One senior product manager I spoke to likened the role to that of a general in ancient times, strategizing to conquer a city 🏰. It’s about allocating resources, coordinating teams, and crafting a winning plan.

The beauty of product management lies in this ability to bring order to chaos.

3. "Become the person you aspire to be."

Repetition and uncertainty are inherent traits of product management.

If you ever question the meaning of your work, don’t let it hold you back. Pause, reflect, and address the doubts.

One way I find helpful is looking for role models. Imagine the future version of yourself you aspire to be, and let that vision guide you. 🌟

For example, I used to struggle with frustration and impatience when faced with challenges at work. Then, I met a mentor—calm, wise, and supportive. His guidance and trust inspired me to handle issues differently, and I began asking myself: "What would he do in this situation?"

As legal scholar Luo Xiang says:

"Life is but fleeting pain and fleeting joy; the rest is a river of mundane moments."

Mundanity and uncertainty are life’s constants. Meaning, as we define it, is what we make of it.

When your initial purpose falters, whether you reaffirm it or redefine it, the process itself is meaningful. 💡

In conclusion:

Don’t envy others—every job is a fortress, and everyone has their struggles. Focus on being the best version of yourself. 🌈