Disclaimer:
Of course, you should take everything I say here with a grain of salt, given this is my personal and professional opinion, and everything I state here could change if IT professionals and the market as a whole make a concerted effort to address the issues. Nothing I'm predicting here is set in stone; the future can change if enough effort is put into shaping it.
My prediction for the years ahead for IT professionals is grim, unless significant changes are made. Below are four reasons why I believe this:
1. The Tech Industry is Failing the Next Generation
Let’s be frank: the tech industry is neglecting the next generation. The biggest issue isn’t with senior developers, tech leads, QAs, senior designers, project leaders, or product owners. Those roles are relatively secure. The real problem lies with newcomers: junior developers and trainees. They are being marginalized by the AI industry boom, and this phenomenon isn’t limited to developers but extends to many other careers as well.
The root of the problem is a lack of foresight from industry leaders. CEOs seem to have forgotten the old adage memento mori ("Remember you are mortal"). People age, retire, and pass away. If there’s no new generation to replace them, the industry will falter, Children of Men style. Hiring and training newcomers is crucial, even if it appears economically inefficient in the short term.
Without new talent, the workforce pipeline dries up. Layoffs, industry crashes, and a lack of mentorship discourage new entrants. Reputation matters; burned bridges are hard to rebuild.
Some CEOs believe AI can fill the gap, replacing junior roles entirely. But this strategy is flawed, as explained in the next section.
My proposed solution:
- Establish valid trainee programs.
- Continue hiring junior developers.
- Ensure teams have a mix of experience levels, fostering mentorship and growth.
2. Neglecting the Next Generation is Harmful to AI
AI tools don’t emerge from a vacuum. They require skilled AI developers, machine learning engineers and architects to create and maintain large language models (LLMs). Additionally, these models rely on vast amounts of high-quality training data.
Where does this data come from? The collective work of developers over decades. Open-source contributions, public repositories, and shared knowledge form the backbone of training datasets. If junior developers aren’t hired and nurtured, the pool of skilled engineers and open-source contributions will dwindle. Over time, the quality and availability of training data will diminish, hindering AI advancements.
My proposed solution:
- Support and sustain the developer community by investing in the next generation.
- Reduce over-reliance on AI tools.
3. Coding AI Thrives on Non-AI Tech Advancements
Many overlook the fact that AI’s impressive coding capabilities are a byproduct of advancements in developer-friendly technologies over the past two decades. Frameworks and tools like JVM, .NET, Compose, Swift, Next.js, and Node.js simplify development significantly.
AI tools thrive in this environment but struggle with older, more complex technologies. Let’s see an AI tool code x64 assembly, C, or C++ with the same proficiency and safety it exhibits in JavaScript or Python. Historically, poorly coded low-level software led to issues like the infamous Windows “blue screen of death.” Critical systems still rely on these languages, and skilled developers are irreplaceable in such contexts.
My proposed solution:
- Reserve AI tools for tasks involving high-level frameworks, or user friendly frameworks.
- Employ trained developers for critical software written in lower-level languages.
4. IT is Developing a Bad Reputation
The IT industry’s reputation is deteriorating. Hiring sprees during the pandemic followed by mass layoffs have created an environment of distrust. Promises of stability and growth often ring hollow, and statements like “AI will replace developers” only exacerbate the issue.
IT workers are also facing a mental health crisis. According to BIMA’s Tech Inclusivity & Diversity Report 2019, 52% of tech workers have experienced anxiety or depression. Additionally, tech professionals are five times more likely to be depressed than the UK average and report stress levels comparable to those in healthcare. Source: https://www.diversityintech.co.uk/workplace-diversity-and-mental-health-in-tech/
This environment discourages young people from pursuing tech careers. Burned by false promises and instability, few are willing to give the industry a second chance. Consider for a moment, how many people do you personally know that have been affected by those?
My proposed solution:
- Prioritize mental health in the workplace.
- Invest in reputation-building and transparency.
- Maintain consistent principles and avoid abrupt policy shifts (e.g., remote work mandates).
Final Thoughts
The future of the IT industry depends on the actions we take today. Ignoring the next generation, over-relying on AI, and fostering a toxic work environment will lead to long-term consequences. Again, I need to state clearly: This article is not an argument against AI, but it is an argument against over realiance on it. With strategic changes and a commitment to growth, those grim predictions may be changed, and the industry can secure a brighter future for it's professionals and proper adoption for it's technologies.
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