The Shift That Changed Everything If you're one of the 98.7% of software engineering applicants who never make it past the initial application
The Shift That Changed Everything
If you’re one of the 98.7% of software engineering applicants who never make it past the initial application stage, you’re not alone. I was there too—sending out countless resumes, facing rejection after rejection, and wondering if I would ever break through. Today, I’m a cloud engineer running a thriving cloud security consultancy, earning $50,000 a month.
How did I go from frustrated applicant to one of the top earners in tech? The answer isn’t to double down on coding. The answer is to pivot, and in this article, I’ll reveal the single most important insight that transformed my career and why anyone can follow the same path.
Why Software Engineering Is Losing Its Edge
1. The AI Revolution Is Disrupting Software Engineering
In 2024, the software engineering landscape is unrecognizable compared to even five years ago. Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just assisting developers—it’s replacing them. Tools like Devon, the world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer, and Cursor AI, which completes code for developers, are shifting the focus away from manual coding.
For example, Devon achieved a 13.86% success rate on real-world coding challenges, far surpassing other AIs like ChatGPT-4. The result? Many coding tasks that once required human intervention are now automated, leaving entry-level developers in the dust.
The Bottom Line: AI is devaluing hands-on coding, making it harder for newcomers to stand out.
2. Oversaturation in the Job Market
Coding boot camps and online platforms like Udemy have flooded the market with junior developers. This oversupply has led to unprecedented competition for even the most basic roles. When I recently posted an ad for a junior developer role at my consultancy, I received over 500 applications, many from overqualified candidates.
Worse, some applicants even offered to work for free—showing just how tough the competition has become.
The Bottom Line: The promise of a guaranteed tech job through coding is no longer realistic for most.
3. The Outsourcing Boom
Outsourcing continues to reshape the tech industry. With tools and platforms enabling seamless global collaboration, companies are increasingly hiring developers from countries with lower labor costs. The IT outsourcing market, currently worth $512 billion, is expected to grow to $812 billion by 2029.
This trend disproportionately affects developers in high-cost regions like the US and UK, where salaries are harder to justify.
The Bottom Line: Outsourcing further erodes job security for software engineers.
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The Alternative: Why Cloud Engineering Is the Future
While software engineering struggles with oversaturation and automation, cloud engineering offers a high-demand, high-growth alternative. Here’s why it’s the career of the future:
1. Explosive Market Growth
The global cloud computing market is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030. Companies of all sizes, from startups to tech giants, are racing to migrate to the cloud, creating a massive demand for skilled cloud professionals.
2. Massive Skills Gap
Despite the booming demand, 98% of organizations report a cloud skills gap, according to Gartner. This gap creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who position themselves in this field.
3. Diverse Career Paths
Cloud engineering encompasses roles like cloud architects, DevOps engineers, and cloud security specialists. Unlike traditional software engineering, which often pigeonholes you into a specific niche, cloud engineering offers the chance to diversify your skills and work on a variety of exciting projects.
How I Made the Switch to Cloud Engineering
When I realized the limitations of traditional software engineering, I made the bold decision to pivot to cloud engineering. At the time, I was working as a front-end developer. I left my job, gave myself a three-month window, and immersed myself in cloud technologies.
Here’s how I did it:
- Learned the Fundamentals: I started with the basics of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Built a Portfolio: I worked on hands-on projects to showcase my skills.
- Leveraged Networking: I connected with recruiters and cloud professionals on LinkedIn.
Within three months, I landed my first cloud engineering role—and my career took off from there.
Why Cloud Engineering Is Resilient to AI and Outsourcing
- Human Expertise in Demand: Cloud engineering isn’t just about technical skills—it requires understanding business needs and translating them into scalable cloud solutions. AI can assist, but it can’t replace this level of strategic thinking.
- Constant Innovation: The cloud is evolving rapidly, with new tools and services emerging every year. Staying updated ensures you remain relevant.
- Localized Expertise: Many businesses prefer onshore cloud engineers for security and compliance reasons, making outsourcing less viable.
Getting Started: Your Roadmap to Cloud Engineering
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a degree or technical background to start in cloud engineering. My Cloud Engineer Academy is designed for beginners and takes you from zero to job-ready in just 12 weeks.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The basics of cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.
- How to build real-world cloud projects for your portfolio.
- Essential skills like Python and Bash scripting.
The program also includes access to a thriving community and monthly workshops with industry experts.
FAQs: Cloud Engineering vs. Software Engineering
1. Is cloud engineering easier to break into?
Yes. The demand for cloud engineers far outweighs the supply, making it easier to stand out.
2. Will cloud engineering become oversaturated?
Unlikely. The cloud market is still growing, with Gartner predicting that 95% of new digital workflows will be cloud-native by next year.
3. Can I transition from software engineering to cloud engineering?
Absolutely. Many cloud engineers have backgrounds in software development, which can be a valuable asset.
The Future of Tech Careers
The rise of AI and outsourcing has disrupted traditional tech roles, but it’s also created new opportunities for those willing to adapt. Cloud engineering is at the forefront of this shift, offering lucrative, secure, and fulfilling career paths.
If you’re ready to take control of your future and break free from the oversaturated software engineering job market, cloud engineering is your golden ticket.
Final Thoughts
Making the switch to cloud engineering changed my life—and it can change yours too. Whether you’re a frustrated software engineering applicant or someone looking for a high-growth career path, the cloud offers unparalleled opportunities.
Are you ready to make the leap?
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