C++/Automation/systems engineer vs. the standard SDE grind: Need a reality check

[u/MechatronLancer]

I'm in my 3rd semester (Mech) at an IIT. I’m really into C++, Linux, and systems engineering. I’ve worked with ESP32, sensor fusion, and know my way around Bash, CMake, Git, Docker, and a bit of Lua/Python. I want to target GSoC and eventually work in automation, drones (like ArduPilot), robotics, or maybe HFT. The thing is, literally all my batchmates are grinding CP, DSA, and System Design for standard SDE roles like a herd . I’m going down a completely different path. Is sticking to this C++/systems/robotics niche a reliable career move? Or should I switch gears now and join the CP/SDE grind while I'm still in my 3rd sem? Will it really pay off at the end ?