Why I QUIT Coding (as an ex-Google programmer). ChatGPT won't save us.
TLDRThe speaker reflects on their career in software engineering, suggesting that the field is becoming less glamorous and lucrative. They compare programming to other professions that have declined in status and argue that the success of tech giants was due to access to APIs and app stores, not just coding skills. They predict that AI, like Chat GPT, will not create a new wave of wealth for programmers but will benefit a few large companies. They suggest that new opportunities may arise in content creation for platforms like social media and wireless earbuds, rather than traditional app development.
Takeaways
- 🚀 The speaker is quitting coding, reflecting on the declining allure of software engineering as a profession.
- 📉 The field of programming is compared to dying careers like architecture and photography, suggesting a shift in demand.
- 🎓 The value of a college degree, particularly in fields like programming, is questioned due to over-saturation.
- 🌟 The短暂的兴起 of 'nerds' and their celebration during the internet revolution is highlighted as a historical anomaly.
- 💸 The wealth generated by programmers was not from coding itself, but from apps, APIs, and app stores.
- 🔒 The closure of APIs by major platforms like Facebook and Twitter is cited as a reason for the stagnation in the coding industry.
- 📉 The app gold rush is considered over, with no recent viral apps or significant new platforms emerging.
- 🤖 Chat GPT AI is not seen as a new gold rush; it's more of a tool for information retrieval rather than a platform for wealth generation.
- 🎧 The rise of wireless earbuds and long-form audio content is presented as a new media format with potential.
- 📲 Social media is described as the new operating system, where content creation and virality are key to success.
- 🚀 The importance of being at the forefront of technology and adapting to trends is emphasized for career longevity in tech.
Q & A
Why is the speaker quitting coding?
-The speaker believes that the field of programming is dying and that the profession is becoming less glamorous and financially rewarding, similar to other careers that have declined over time.
What is the speaker's view on the future of software engineering?
-The speaker thinks that software engineering will become more like other traditional engineering fields, such as electricians or civil engineers, where the work is valued but not necessarily high-paying or prestigious.
What does the speaker say about the value of a college degree today?
-The speaker suggests that a college degree has become mostly worthless due to it being oversaturated in the job market.
How does the speaker compare the past and present perception of nerds and geeks?
-The speaker notes that nerds and geeks were not typically seen as cool, but in the past 20 years, due to the internet revolution, figures like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg have changed this perception.
What was the 'app gold rush' and why is it no longer happening?
-The 'app gold rush' refers to the period when developers could become rich by creating apps that went viral on platforms like Facebook, iOS, and Android. It's no longer happening because these platforms have become more restrictive with their APIs, limiting access to their user base.
What is the speaker's opinion on the potential of Chat GPT AI?
-The speaker is skeptical about Chat GPT AI, suggesting that it will not make everyone rich and that it's more of a tool for information retrieval rather than a platform for wealth generation like an app store.
What new platform does the speaker mention as having potential?
-The speaker mentions airpods and long-form audio content as a new platform and media format that has enabled a different way of living and consuming content.
What does the speaker suggest as alternative careers for those in software engineering?
-The speaker suggests careers like AI artists, AI content creators, game engine content creators, citizen journalists, and content creators for social media or audio platforms like airpods.
What is the speaker's advice for young people who are considering a career in coding?
-The speaker advises young people to consider the changing landscape of technology and to look for opportunities in emerging fields rather than traditional coding jobs.
How does the speaker describe the current state of social media?
-The speaker describes social media as a new operating system that acts as the App Store, where content goes viral and serves as the landing page, making traditional apps and websites less relevant.
Outlines
🚀 The Decline of Programming and the Rise of AI
The speaker announces their departure from coding, reflecting on the diminishing prospects of a career in software engineering. They compare programming to dying careers like architecture and photography, suggesting that the field is becoming less lucrative and glamorous. The speaker criticizes the over-saturation of college degrees and the historical anomaly of nerds becoming celebrated figures, particularly in the tech industry. They argue that the success of developers was not due to coding skills but rather the access to platforms like app stores, which provided access to user bases. The speaker points out that the current tech landscape, with its lack of new APIs and the rise of AI like chat GPT, does not promise the same opportunities for wealth or success as in the past.
🤖 AI's Impact on Careers and the Future of Content Creation
The speaker discusses the limited financial success of machine learning and AI, noting that only a few large tech companies have benefited. They express skepticism about the potential of chat GPT to revolutionize the industry, suggesting it may not be true AI but rather advanced pattern recognition. The speaker highlights the emergence of new platforms like wireless earbuds and the shift towards a social media operating system, where content creation is the new frontier. They argue that traditional apps and websites are becoming obsolete, and the future lies in social media and content creation, which should be the focus for college students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
🌟 The Evolution of Careers and the Importance of Adapting to Technology
The speaker predicts the decline of certain careers, such as NFT artists and doctors, due to advancements in AI. They suggest that new opportunities will arise in AI-related fields, such as AI artists and content creators. The speaker also mentions the potential of game engine content creation and the rise of citizen journalism on platforms like Twitter. They emphasize the need for software engineers to adapt to the changing technological landscape and consider new career paths, while also acknowledging the challenges of content creation. The speaker concludes by expressing a desire to be proven wrong and invites viewers to share their thoughts on the future of coding and technology.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Software Engineering
💡Programming
💡API (Application Programming Interface)
💡App Store
💡Chat GPT
💡Social Media Operating System
💡Content Creation
💡Citizen Journalism
💡AI Artist
💡Game Engine Content Creator
💡AirPods and Long-Form Audio
Highlights
The speaker is quitting coding after a successful career at top tech companies.
Programming is compared to dying careers like architecture and photography.
The value of a college degree is questioned in the current job market.
The speaker believes that the era of celebrating nerds and programmers is coming to an end.
The lack of new API releases is cited as a reason for the decline of coding opportunities.
The speaker argues that it was not coding but apps and app stores that made developers rich.
The rise and fall of various app platforms are discussed, including Facebook, iOS, and Android.
The speaker is skeptical about the potential of chat GPT to revolutionize the industry.
The debate over whether chat GPT is truly AI or just pattern recognition is mentioned.
The emergence of new platforms like AR goggles and the impact on traditional careers are discussed.
The speaker suggests that social media is becoming a new operating system, replacing the need for apps and websites.
The importance of being at the forefront of technology to succeed in the field is emphasized.
The speaker predicts the end of certain careers due to advancements in AI and automation.
New career opportunities in AI content creation and game development are suggested.
The speaker advises against pursuing coding as a career, citing historical and current trends.
The potential of content creation for platforms like Twitter and airpods is highlighted.
The speaker reflects on the changing nature of technology and the need to look forward for opportunities.
