AI Disruption Alert: From $150K Software Engineer to Gig Worker – Is This the Future of Tech Jobs?
From High-Paid Engineer to Hustling for Gigs
Once a high-earning software engineer earning $150,000 annually, Shawn K specialized in Angular development and was building applications for a rising metaverse startup. Fast forward to today—he now lives in an RV in upstate New York and earns a living by delivering food through DoorDash and selling used electronics.
His downfall wasn’t due to performance—it was due to automation.
After losing his job in 2023, Shawn says he has applied to over 800 roles but landed only 10 interviews, many of which were with AI-driven systems instead of human recruiters.
“I feel invisible. Like I’m being filtered out before a real person even sees my application,” says Shawn.
AI Is Already Transforming Software Development
AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and GitHub Copilot are now being used extensively by tech firms to generate code, automate testing, and speed up deployments. According to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, AI could be doing 90% of all coding by the end of 2025.
With predictions from Goldman Sachs estimating 300 million jobs could be automated worldwide, the shift is no longer hypothetical—it’s already unfolding. This year alone, over 130,000 tech employees have faced layoffs across nearly 400 companies (Layoffs.fyi, 2024).
From Developer to “Displaced”
Shawn’s journey from building scalable Angular apps to becoming a gig worker is a stark reflection of what some experts are calling “The Great Displacement.” With AI systems becoming increasingly capable, companies are beginning to replace entire teams rather than upskill or augment them.
Shawn believes this shift reflects a broader strategy: “It’s not about boosting productivity anymore. It’s about cost-cutting at the human level.”
He’s considered re-skilling or switching industries—like trucking—but the costs are prohibitive. So, for now, he continues to deliver meals while hoping for meaningful change in how society adapts to AI’s growing influence.
What’s Next for Developers?
Frameworks like Angular, React, and Python are still in high demand, but the roles around them are evolving rapidly. As AI becomes more integrated into the development pipeline, adaptability, problem-solving, and creativity will be key skills to retain relevance.
The current wave of layoffs could just be the start. Industry voices are urging developers to upskill in AI-related tools, explore hybrid roles (e.g., AI prompt engineering, product strategy), and remain agile in a changing job market.
Takeaway for IT Professionals & Learners
The story of Shawn is a wake-up call—not a reason to panic, but a prompt to prepare. Whether you’re a student starting out or a working professional, now is the time to:
Learn how AI integrates with your tech stack
Expand into emerging areas like ML Ops, AI ethics, or cloud automation
Focus on building human skills that AI can’t replicate
