Let's call it SWExit, software engineering exit.
I've lost a lot of the motivation to work as Software Engineer (15+ yrs). All the talk, news (nonsense) about the future of Software Engineering, LLMs, AI and related technologies is far from what I hoped my work to be. If I'm just reduced to an advanced administrator through LLMs, then I'll might as well be a chef or something else that is fulfilling.
What strategies do you suggest for someone struggling to find motivation at this stage?
a) Sabbatical year b) Move up the ladder c) Change career path d) get over it, accept it and do the minimum
To each alternative there's more to comment, e.g. option b) requires interest in the product to be a good leader - I refuse to do meaningless work.
mmarian•6mo ago
You'll probably do meaninglessness in whatever job you end up picking.
> What strategies do you suggest for someone struggling to find motivation at this stage?
Be realistic about alternatives - what you like/dislike, how much runway (financial/mental) you have to explore, whereabouts you're based etc.
megamix•6mo ago
Regarding your second comment, I agree about realistic alternatives. I think these are options that could be anywhere. Even if it's for a short period of time to try something different. Maybe it'll widen perspective and opportunities
mmarian•6mo ago
Don't know how much experience you have with other fields, but what I've seen is that there's waste everywhere. Even healthcare - think of how much we could save if we focused on prevention rather than treatment.
> I think these are options that could be anywhere. Even if it's for a short period of time to try something different.
Speaking from experience, there really aren't as many options as the online world suggests. Just try applying to be a labourer on a construction site, or a bookkeeper in an accounting firm, or a recruiter, and you'll see. You're better off asking yourself first, and looking at the world around you, instead of getting recommendations from ChatGPT or people on the internet.
megamix•6mo ago