The article explores the distinctions between line and staff roles within software engineering, using the framework from military and business contexts to categorize positions based on their contribution to an organization's core mission. It differentiates between developers working internally at large companies, like Duke Energy, and those providing external services, such as Thoughtworks, illustrating the varying stakes and career trajectories associated with each. Line roles, directly contributing to a company's core product or service, often involve higher pressure and competition, while staff roles, which provide support, may offer broader business exposure and potentially easier paths to executive positions. The discussion emphasizes that these roles are shaped by organizational structures and cultural values, impacting job experience and career advancement opportunities. Concluding, the article suggests that understanding these distinctions can aid in career planning, particularly for those seeking a change in pace or focus, and highlights the role of tools like Earthly in simplifying engineering tasks.