Will 60-80% of Software Engineers Face Layoffs by 2028?
A recent claim suggests that due to ongoing tech layoffs and the routine PIP process, over 60% of software engineers (SWEs) could lose their jobs within the next four years. The argument highlights a combination of annual 10-20% layoffs at major tech companies and the practice of performance improvement plans targeting the bottom 10% of employees. Additionally, the growing reliance on AI for coding tasks has sparked debate about SWE skills, with some claiming many engineers lack fundamental programming abilities like breadth-first search. The conversation has ignited strong opinions about the impact of AI on SWE jobs and the overall future of software engineering careers. Companies and professionals must consider these evolving dynamics amid tech industry shifts.
Comments reflect a divided community, with some dismissing the emphasis on basic algorithms like BFS as outdated, while others criticize the heavy reliance on AI and express concerns about declining SWE skills. There is debate over whether current interview techniques fairly assess intelligence or simply test memorization. Some commenters highlight that layoffs and skills issues disproportionately affect certain groups, such as bootcamp graduates. The conversation touches on broader frustrations with tech hiring, workplace expectations, and evolving roles influenced by AI integration.
The discussion connects to several broader workplace issues including the use of PIP processes in tech companies, the ongoing wave of tech layoffs in 2024, and how AI impacts software engineering roles and job security. It also raises questions about hiring practices, skill assessments, and whether traditional programming knowledge remains relevant in an AI-assisted environment. This reflects wider economic pressures and talent management challenges facing the tech industry today.
// The Desk Poll
Do you believe 60-80% of software engineers will lose jobs by 2028?
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