Yesterday, Bangalore traffic dragged my energy—and schedule—to the ground. I lost the thread of productivity, and instead of forcing myself to push through, I reached for what always works for me when the day feels off: writing. Maybe that's cheating. Or maybe it's strategy. Either way, here's what I want to talk about.
There’s this familiar chorus everywhere I turn: “AI is going to wipe out junior jobs,” “Companies will freeze hiring and figure out automation first.” It’s nothing new—just recycled ideas with better headlines.
But beneath all this noise, there’s a quieter discomfort I keep noticing, especially around engineers who’ve crossed into their 40s. This has been reality in the Bay Area for a while now, with recruiters waving off ‘too experienced’ profiles. And, without realizing, the anxiety seeps down to folks like me, in their late 20s, who suddenly see their own growth slowing, promotions delayed, and start to wonder: “Is it me?”
But beneath all this noise, there’s a quieter discomfort I keep noticing, especially around engineers who’ve crossed into their 40s. This has been reality in the Bay Area for a while now, with recruiters waving off ‘too experienced’ profiles. And, without realizing, the anxiety seeps down to folks like me, in their late 20s, who suddenly see their own growth slowing, promotions delayed, and start to wonder: “Is it me?”
The truth? It's never just about performance or office politics. There's a structural shift happening around us that most refuse to name. The timelines differ—America today, India tomorrow—but the signal’s there.
What do you do?
- Some managers expect you to deliver double, just because “you have AI now.”
- Some companies give you shiny tools; some do absolutely nothing.
- Most people think it’s personal—when it’s mostly systemic.
Here’s what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way): If your company pretends change isn’t coming, don’t stick around for regret. But wherever you are, keep moving. Don’t give up on getting better, and never lose sight of what your manager actually cares about—the business impact. If they won’t invest in the tools you need, invest in yourself.
This isn’t about surviving AI. It’s about not letting someone else’s story become your ceiling. Sometimes writing it out is my way to remember that—and maybe for you, it’s reading this.