Hi Everyone,

I’m a junior frontend developer in a developed country with 6 months of experience so far. I mostly work on frontend logic rather than UI implementation or CSS-related stuff. I was really enjoying my job, but recent developments in the AI field have turned it into a big headache for me.

Lately, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed, and here’s why:

  • Overhyped AI Promises: CEOs and tech leaders keep hyping up AI solutions, claiming they’ll replace software engineering jobs. It’s hard not to feel anxious hearing that all the time, especially as a junior like me.
  • Fewer Opportunities: I’ve noticed a reduction in new job postings—not just in my country, but around the world. It makes me wonder about my future in this industry.
  • Shorter Deadlines & Reliance on AI: With the push for rapid delivery, I’m now forced to work on much tighter deadlines. I end up depending on AI tools for code completion instead of writing things from scratch, which I know I should be doing as a junior.
  • Compromised Learning Opportunities: As a junior, I believe that going through the process of writing even the simplest components (like a typical dropdown) is essential for learning. However, with the company’s “ship fast” mentality, I often have to skip these learning moments and rely on AI code generation, which leaves me feeling guilty.
  • Dependency for Complex Tasks: I often resort to AI for tackling more complex coding challenges. While it’s efficient, it also means I miss out on the deep learning experience that comes from wrestling with these problems myself—again, due to meeting short deadlines. Lately, I’ve noticed that I spend more time crafting the right prompts for AI than actually writing and understanding the code myself.
  • Advanced Tools and Agents: Tools like Cursor, Windsurf, and various AI agents can handle mid-level tasks, including debugging. I recently saw an AI fix a problem in minutes that would’ve taken me hours, and it left me feeling like I’m already falling behind. While impressive, this makes me feel even more pressured as a beginner who still needs time to learn complex concepts and new technologies.
  • Impact on Motivation and Mental Health: The rapid evolution of AI and the increased reliance on it have left me feeling depressed and unmotivated. I find myself going to sleep every night with a heavy heart, worried about the future of my career.

Given this scenario, I’m reaching out to experienced developers and fellow community members for advice:

  • How can a junior developer like me stay motivated and focused on learning despite the constant hype around AI potentially replacing jobs?
  • What strategies or learning approaches would you recommend to ensure steady career growth without becoming overly dependent on AI tools?
  • Any tips on managing the mental strain and finding motivation in such a fast-changing environment?

And last but not least, please feel free to leave any additional advice for me.

I truly value your insights and experiences, and any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

Looking forward to your advice!