Hi everyone,
I'm a 21-year-old software developer from Pakistan, and I need honest career advice from people who have experience in software engineering and AI.
I got a client project to build an ERP system using Django, React, PostgreSQL, and Docker. I've been working on real business workflows, inventory, procurement, and other ERP modules.
Now my client has told me that AI is taking away software engineers' jobs. After this ERP project, he plans to build future features himself using Codex instead of hiring me for further development.
This has made me rethink my career.
The thing is, I've always wanted to work in AI/ML, deep learning, LLMs, and AI agents. I moved toward conventional software development because I got this client and needed to earn money.
I'm also being honest about a weakness: I rely heavily on Claude Code to write most of my code. I can deliver software with AI assistance, but I know I need to improve my own programming fundamentals and ability to understand, debug, and verify code.
I currently have limited financial runway, around 1–3 months of essential expenses, so I can't simply stop earning and study AI full-time.
I'd really appreciate advice on these questions:
If you were in my position, would you continue pursuing software engineering, transition toward AI engineering, or consider another field?
Should I focus on becoming a strong software engineer who uses AI tools, or prioritize ML, deep learning, LLMs, and AI agents?
Given my financial situation, how would you divide your time between earning money, applying for jobs, and learning AI?
How important is it to write code independently today? Can someone who currently relies heavily on AI coding tools become a genuinely competent AI engineer?
What would you do over the next 6–12 months if you were starting from my position?
I'm not looking for reassurance or predictions that AI will or won't replace everyone. I want practical advice from people who have faced a similar situation or work in these fields.
Thank you!
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