The Changing Landscape of Tech Careers
Artificial intelligence is transforming the modern workforce, particularly in the technology sector. As automation becomes more prevalent, many professionals are reassessing their roles and long-term career paths. What was once considered a stable and high-growth industry is now experiencing significant shifts, with job cuts and changes in how work is structured.
One notable example is Tabby Toney, a former software engineer from Oklahoma. She made the decision to leave her tech career behind and pursue welding—a choice that was not made on a whim but rather based on a clear understanding of where the industry is heading.
Toney did not start her career in tech with a traditional background. She entered the field through a friend, beginning with manual software testing despite having no formal experience. Her curiosity and determination led her to self-study, take online courses, and eventually move into full-stack development. She held various roles at companies such as SumerSports, Clevyr, and Tailwind, contributing to backend APIs, frontend features, quality assurance, and mentoring junior developers.
Over time, she found value in the creativity and problem-solving that tech offered—until those elements began to diminish. By mid-2025, the excitement she once felt for her work had faded. Artificial intelligence was taking over many of the tasks she enjoyed most, and as coding became increasingly automated, she felt less connected to her role. When she was laid off in May, she had already anticipated this outcome. Instead of seeking another tech job, she decided to shift to welding—a skill she first learned in high school and associated with childhood memories in her grandfather’s garage.
Welding, she says, offers the hands-on challenge and tangible results that her work in tech had gradually lost. Formal training for her will begin in August, and she has no plans to return to software development.
The Impact of AI on Tech Careers
Toney’s decision reflects a broader trend in the technology landscape. According to reports, artificial intelligence now generates roughly 35% of code for new software products. This increase in automation has not only accelerated product development but also reduced the demand for many engineering roles.
The result has been widespread restructuring across the tech sector. In the January–March 2025 quarter alone, the tech industry saw more job cuts than any other sector. Companies like Microsoft have announced layoffs affecting nearly 4% of their workforce, following previous rounds that eliminated around 6,000 jobs.
As businesses invest heavily in AI infrastructure and streamline human roles, more professionals may find themselves at a crossroads. Toney’s transition from software engineering to welding might seem unconventional, but it highlights a deeper truth: when the nature of work changes, so do the choices people make to find purpose and stability.
Looking Ahead
The shift in the tech industry underscores the need for adaptability and continuous learning. While some may view the rise of AI as a threat, others see it as an opportunity to explore new fields and develop different skills. Toney’s journey serves as a reminder that career paths are not always linear and that change can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.
