Once a highly paid software engineer earning ₹1.28 crore ($150,000) annually in the metaverse industry, 42-year-old Shaun now lives in a trailer in New York, doing odd jobs like food delivery and selling items on eBay to survive. Despite having two decades of experience in the tech sector, he was abruptly laid off in April 2024. Since then, he has applied to over 800 companies but received fewer than 10 interview calls—mostly filtered through AI bots—with no job offers.
Generative AI’s Rise Sparks Job Loss Fears and Industry Shift, Warns Ex-Tech Engineer
Shaun attributes his struggle to the rapid rise of generative AI, which he believes is displacing human talent across the tech industry. A self-described “AI maximalist,” Shaun supports the technology in principle but criticizes its current application, arguing that AI is being used to replace people instead of augmenting their capabilities. “This silence is not temporary this time. It is deeper, colder, and scarier,” he told Fortune, reflecting on the growing joblessness in a sector once known for innovation and opportunity.
His experience highlights a broader shift in the tech industry, where trending technologies like the metaverse are now overshadowed by AI, and companies are prioritizing cost-cutting over employee retention. Shaun believes that corporate strategies are becoming short-sighted, focusing more on eliminating jobs than enhancing innovation. “Today it is me, tomorrow there will be more,” he warns.
Shaun’s Struggle Highlights Urgent Need for Balanced AI Growth and Workforce Support
Now facing financial hardship, Shaun is exploring new income paths, including pursuing a tech certification or a commercial driver’s license. However, upskilling requires funds he currently lacks. His story is not just a personal crisis but a cautionary tale, illustrating how the unchecked implementation of AI could disrupt millions of careers if not balanced with responsible workforce planning and human-centric development.
Summary:
Shaun, a former software engineer earning ₹1.28 crore annually, now struggles with odd jobs after losing his tech job. Despite vast experience, he faces rejection due to AI-led hiring. His story highlights how unchecked AI adoption may replace human roles, urging balanced development and better workforce support in the tech industry.
