Telling them not to get into tech is also terribly reactionary advice. The truth of the matter is that we don’t yet know whether tech roles will be eliminated or if they’re just going to follow previous innovation breakthroughs where “one person producing way more work” makes software even more of a desirable industry to be involved in.

There really isn’t a very strong correlation between tech industry hiring strength and AI as of yet. Various studies that are out there haven’t even witnessed AI workflows contributing more than modest gains in software engineering efficiency. I.e., being able to write code 20-40% faster isn’t a seismic shift in the industry where everyone is getting laid off tomorrow and we’re all replaced by software.

Even with the questions surrounding the current job market, it’s still an incredibly good ROI career compared to so many other jobs out there.

For example, in my local area you can get a job as a registered nurse working nights in the emergency room and only make ~$115k.

I make almost double that telling an LLM what to do from my house in my pajamas during the day with less time spent in university.

Even if tech roles lose half their salary to automation pressure it’s still a really good gig.