Is practical React + TypeScript still a realistic path for 2026/2027?

Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate some honest and realistic opinions from people already working in the industry.

I’m 44 years old, currently working full-time outside tech, and for the last year I’ve been learning JavaScript and React very consistently before work every morning. Recently I started focusing more on:

• data flow
• selectors/helpers
• React architecture thinking
• TypeScript fundamentals
• API/async flow
• clean Git workflow

I’m not trying to become a “10x AI startup engineer”. My goal is much simpler:
to become a practical frontend/product developer and eventually get a stable hybrid/on-site role in Poland or possibly the UK.

The reason I’m asking is because online discussions are extremely confusing right now:

• “React is dying”
• “Next.js is mandatory”
• “AI will replace juniors”
• “Frontend is oversaturated”
• layoffs everywhere

At the same time, companies still seem to build products and hire developers.

So I’d really appreciate honest answers from people actually working in software today:

1. If someone focuses on: JavaScript → React → TypeScript → API/data flow → backend basics → AI-assisted workflow

is that still a realistic path for 2026/2027?

1. Are companies still looking for practical developers who understand application flow and can grow inside a team?

2. What would you personally focus on today if you had limited time outside a full-time job and wanted the highest practical chance of entering the market?

Thanks in advance. I’m looking for realistic opinions, not doomposting or hype.