It seems you left AWS in 2014 and so your impression is everything is like it was then. Lambda is used by everyone and it's great when it fits for a startup. don't understand the bet your startup part, are you insinuating lambda will shut down
People are being gatekeepers here. I have a MechE background too and I liked software and taught myself it and work at a FAANG now. Ignore the haters, study and if you can clear the interview no one cares about your degree.
