Ask HN: Where are the sane-paying tech jobs?
Until about 3 years ago, non-FAANG companies were begging for developers. As someone who never got into this for the money (feed and raise a family, sure. but the work is ultimately fun), the opportunities were plenty.
Then things took a downturn and now we have AI.
However, Claude code and AI doesn't solve the domain-knowledge problems and troubleshooting problems.
So what's really driving the fear of hiring by businesses? Is it the state of the real economy?
It is because they hired more and trend changed.
The hiring boom happened around 2021-2022. It is due to:
1. Covid hire freeze 2. Company expects online trends continue and more and more people will rely online activities.
However, the 2nd part is not true and the over-hired are laid off.
No need to mention economy is not good and interests rate still high.
all those combined together, cause job opportunities are low right now.
AI is not a factor. Yes, AI is powerful, but AI is not powerful enough to build software from scratch on its own. it did more damage on jobs like art, writers, translators, etc.
I think it's mostly tariffs and the uncertain economy of 2026.