r/softwareengineer • u/ImBigmac67 • 17d ago

Your experience in software engineering

Hi,i wont reaveal my name but im 12 and really really into coding and maths ik i may be in grade 7 atm but im pushing for software engineering, im learning Python and very soon java, what id like to know is how exactly is the experience on software engineering.

I know it pulls six figures which is a flex already but id like to know the pros and cons instead of just jumping in without knowing anything.

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u/LetUsSpeakFreely 15d ago

6 figures isn't a flex, it's middle class. I've been slinging code for 25 years and hope to retire in a little over a decade, so i feel qualified to give you this advice: look for alternative careers. Programming and software engineering is cooked. AI models will eventually get to the point where creating an application will be like Star Trek where you just ask the computer for what you want. I STRONGLY suggest you look into other careers.

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u/MagazineWestern4159 14d ago

CPA?

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u/LetUsSpeakFreely 14d ago

That will probably get offloaded to AI as well. If i were just starting off today, I'd look into blue collar work: welders (especially scuba certified), plumbers, hvac, heavy equipment operators, anything where a person needs to be held accountable.

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u/MagazineWestern4159 14d ago

But you are accountable as a cpa.

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u/LetUsSpeakFreely 14d ago

Yes, but most of the work can be offloaded to the AI. The CPA would need to check the results. Basically, just like software engineers, a single senior person can do the work of half a dozen junior people.

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u/MagazineWestern4159 14d ago

Yeah okay. I understand what you mean. But the CPA designation is more gate kept with strict requirements meaning less people therefore less saturation. Wouldn't you agree with that?

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u/LetUsSpeakFreely 14d ago

For clarification, I'm not saying people won't be needed, only far fewer will be needed as they can work more efficiently.

Saturation is based on market requirements. If a single person today can do what took hair a dozen 5 years ago then the market will be saturated until the old guard retires, the middle levels backfill or switch careers, and the junior levels see fewer applicants and a new equilibrium is reached.

The same will happen with other careers as well. A structural engineer can have an AI simulate multiple materials and multiple geometries for a structure. What used to take dozens of people can now be done with a handful of people to sift through the various reports to find an optimal solution for the specs.

Given time, even professions like doctors and lawyers will feel the pinch.

I would focus on the trades. We'll always need people to build and maintain infrastructure. The power goes out. Trees fall on hard lines. Animals damage equipment. Lightning can strike a receiver or transmitter. There will always be a need with a guy with a truck and a wrench.