Really honest and relatable post. One point that resonated with me was the distinction between code that passes tests and code that actually solves real user problems. AI can generate implementations and even convincing test suites, but those tests often validate the assumptions the AI made not necessarily the real-world scenarios users will encounter.

I also agree that the real value of experienced engineers is shifting. It's becoming less about typing every line of code and more about defining requirements, identifying edge cases, validating outcomes, and knowing when the AI is confidently wrong. In many ways, prompt quality and engineering judgment are becoming just as important as coding itself.

Thanks for sharing such an honest perspective. I think this is a conversation the industry needs to have more often.