Senior engineer argues AI job loss fears mask market saturation

A senior software engineer contends that current tech industry job losses stem primarily from post-pandemic labor market saturation rather than widespread AI displacement. The author, who leads a ten-person team, asserts that companies are utilizing artificial intelligence as a pretext for routine workforce reductions following pandemic-era overhiring. Citing high failure rates in AI integration and unproven productivity gains, the engineer argues that existing AI infrastructure cannot support mass staff replacement. The post attributes hiring difficulties to an influx of low-quality, AI-generated applications flooding recruitment pipelines instead of automated role elimination. While acknowledging AI's presence, the analysis suggests economic corrections and candidate quality degradation are the dominant factors affecting entry-level employment prospects in the current technology sector.