In a rapidly evolving landscape, the world of software engineering is undergoing a seismic shift, as professionals find themselves grappling with the implications of artificial intelligence on their careers. Once heralded as one of the most lucrative fields in the United States, software engineering is now facing unprecedented challenges, including layoffs, skill devaluation, and an urgent need for adaptation. As engineers like Matt and George Dover navigate this new terrain, they are not just looking to survive but to redefine their roles in an AI-driven future.
The Shift in Software Engineering
Once a bastion of stability and high earnings, with salaries often exceeding £160,000, the software engineering profession is facing a shake-up. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1.5 million software engineers in the US in 2022, earning double the national median salary. However, since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022, the landscape has changed dramatically. A staggering 600,000 tech workers have lost their jobs, and the unemployment rate among computer science graduates has risen to 7%, up from 6.1% the previous year.
Many engineers are now finding themselves sidelined, with job postings dropping by 36% from 2020 to 2025. “It’s hard to say what exactly the profession will look like in two years,” says Bouke Klein Teeselink, an assistant professor at King’s College London. The consensus among experts is clear: while traditional coding skills may be waning in importance, the ability to assess and manage AI-generated code is becoming increasingly vital.
Adapting to an AI-Centric World
For software engineers, the shift towards AI has created a dilemma: should they embrace these new technologies, or cling to traditional coding practices? Matt, a software engineer from New York, is determined to keep his skills sharp. He spends his daily four-hour train commute developing a browser-based video game, writing every line of code himself. “I am trying not to leverage AI where I can,” he explains, concerned that reliance on AI might erode his foundational skills.
George Dover, also a software engineer, faced a career crossroads after being laid off in late 2024. Transitioning from tech to a substitute teaching role, he realised the importance of understanding AI. He began using AI to generate code for websites, meticulously reviewing the output to grasp its strengths and weaknesses. “The quality has to be rigorously tested,” he emphasises. His efforts have paid off, leading to a new position focused on AI, nearly two years after his layoff.
The Rise of Collective Action
As the threat of job losses looms, many engineers are banding together to advocate for better working conditions. Kaitlin Cort, a software engineer turned advocate, launched a resource centre called What We Will, aimed at supporting tech workers affected by AI disruption. “I can see that the pace at which AI was getting better was faster than the pace at which I was getting better,” she admits. Her initiative provides guidance for navigating layoffs, negotiating severance, and exploring unionisation.
With an influx of applications for support, Cort’s organisation reflects a growing awareness among tech workers about the necessity of collective action in the face of rapid technological advancement. “There’s a lot of need right now,” she asserts. As AI continues to reshape the industry, the call for solidarity among software engineers is louder than ever.
The Future of Software Engineering
As the dust settles on this AI revolution, there remains a palpable uncertainty regarding the future of software engineering. While some professionals fear that their roles may become obsolete, others see opportunity in evolving their skill sets. Experts like David Malan from Harvard University suggest that the demand for human oversight in AI development will persist. “Rather than companies relying entirely on the tech, we can expect to see a healthier balance of software engineers being supported by AI,” he predicts.
The call to action for engineers is clear: adapt or risk being left behind. Those who embrace the changes and acquire new skills will likely thrive in this new environment, while those who resist may find themselves struggling to keep pace.
Why it Matters
The current upheaval in the software engineering field underscores the profound impact of AI technology on traditional careers. As engineers face unprecedented challenges, their responses will shape the future of work in tech. More than just a professional dilemma, this transformation raises questions about the role of human creativity and critical thinking in an increasingly automated world. The steps taken by these professionals today will determine not only their individual futures but also the landscape of the tech industry in the years to come.