Have you ever been sold a dream that sounded too good to be true? For years, the mantra “learn to code” echoed across classrooms, career fairs, and social media, promising young people a golden ticket to high-paying, stable tech jobs. I remember being in college, watching friends pivot to computer science majors, lured by stories of six-figure salaries straight out of school. But fast-forward to today, and that dream has crumbled for many. Graduates are facing a harsh reality: the tech job market isn’t what it used to be, and the “learn to code” advice? It’s starting to feel like a bait-and-switch.
The Rise and Fall of the Coding Craze
The push to learn coding swept through the 2010s like wildfire. Governments, tech giants, and influencers championed it as the ultimate path to success. Computer science programs saw enrollment skyrocket—doubling in size since 2014, according to industry reports. The logic was simple: tech was booming, and coders were in demand. But somewhere along the way, the narrative shifted. The job market tightened, and the promise of endless opportunities began to unravel.
Why did this happen? A perfect storm of factors—AI automation, corporate layoffs, and outsourcing—has transformed the tech landscape. Recent graduates, once assured of lucrative careers, are now competing for fewer roles, with some even taking jobs far outside their field. It’s a wake-up call for anyone still clinging to the outdated “code your way to success” mindset.
The AI Revolution: A Double-Edged Sword
Artificial intelligence has changed the game for coders. Tools like AI coding assistants are now capable of writing, debugging, and optimizing code faster than many entry-level engineers. Companies are leaning on these tools to cut costs, reducing the need for junior developers. It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it? The very technology coders were trained to build is now taking their jobs.
AI tools are debugging code faster and better than humans in some cases, leaving new grads struggling to find their place.
– Tech industry analyst
I’ve seen this firsthand. A friend who graduated with a computer science degree last year spent months applying to jobs, only to be told that companies were prioritizing AI-driven solutions over hiring new talent. It’s not that coding skills are obsolete—far from it—but the roles that once went to fresh graduates are shrinking as automation takes over repetitive tasks.
Outsourcing: The Hidden Culprit
Another factor often overlooked is the outsourcing of tech jobs. Companies are increasingly hiring overseas talent at a fraction of the cost, thanks to programs like the H-1B visa in the U.S. This practice has been around for years, but it’s gained momentum as firms look to cut expenses. Why pay a U.S.-based junior developer when you can hire someone abroad for less?
This trend hits hard for new grads. They’re not just competing with their classmates but with a global workforce willing to work for lower wages. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you’ve spent years and thousands of dollars on a degree that was supposed to guarantee stability.
- Global competition: Overseas workers often have similar skills but lower salary expectations.
- Cost-cutting: Companies save big by outsourcing entry-level roles.
- Visa programs: Policies like H-1B make it easier to hire foreign talent.
The Layoff Wave: Big Tech’s Reality Check
The tech industry’s recent wave of layoffs has only made things worse. Major companies—think household names in Silicon Valley—have slashed thousands of jobs since 2022. These cuts often target junior roles, as firms streamline operations and focus on senior talent. For recent graduates, this means fewer entry points into the industry they trained for.
One graduate I spoke with applied to over 5,000 jobs in a year. Out of those, they landed just a handful of interviews and no offers. “It’s soul-crushing,” they said. “I was told coding was a sure thing, but now I’m wondering if I wasted my time.” Stories like this are becoming all too common.
The Oversupply of Coders
The “learn to code” campaign worked—maybe too well. Universities and bootcamps churned out record numbers of computer science graduates, flooding the market with talent. But the demand hasn’t kept up. With AI handling more tasks and companies outsourcing or downsizing, there’s simply too much supply for too few jobs.
| Year | Computer Science Graduates | Tech Job Openings |
| 2014 | 50,000 | High |
| 2020 | 100,000+ | Moderate |
| 2025 | 120,000+ | Low |
This imbalance has led to fierce competition. Graduates who expected to waltz into high-paying jobs are now facing unemployment rates as high as 7.5%—higher than fields like art history or biology. It’s a stark reminder that no career path is a guaranteed win.
The Emotional Toll of a Broken Promise
Beyond the numbers, there’s a human cost to this shift. Graduates feel betrayed, as if they were gaslit by the very industry they aspired to join. Social media is filled with stories of young people who followed the advice, earned their degrees, and still ended up working in unrelated fields like retail or food service. The disillusionment is real.
I feel like I was sold a lie. I worked so hard, and now I’m flipping burgers instead of coding apps.
– Recent computer science graduate
It’s tough to stay motivated when the path you were promised leads to a dead end. For many, the job search feels like running on a treadmill—lots of effort, no progress. Perhaps the most frustrating part is the sense that the rules changed mid-game.
What Went Wrong with “Learn to Code”?
So, where did it all go wrong? The “learn to code” movement wasn’t inherently bad—it was rooted in a real need for tech talent. But it oversimplified a complex industry. Coding isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and not every graduate can (or should) be a software engineer. The hype ignored the nuances of the tech world, from specialized roles to the rapid pace of change.
In my view, the campaign also failed to emphasize adaptability. Tech evolves fast—faster than most industries. What’s in demand today might be obsolete tomorrow. Graduates need more than coding skills; they need to know how to pivot, learn new tools, and stand out in a crowded field.
Navigating the New Tech Landscape
If you’re a recent grad or considering a tech career, don’t despair. The tech industry still offers opportunities, but you’ll need to approach it strategically. Here are a few ways to stand out in today’s competitive market:
- Specialize in niche areas: Fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, or AI ethics are less saturated than general software development.
- Build a portfolio: Showcase real-world projects on platforms like GitHub to prove your skills.
- Network relentlessly: Connections often open doors that applications can’t.
- Stay ahead of AI: Learn to work with AI tools rather than compete against them.
It’s also worth exploring adjacent fields. Data science, product management, or even tech sales can leverage your coding knowledge without putting you in direct competition with AI or overseas workers.
A Broader Lesson for Career Planning
The “learn to code” saga offers a bigger lesson: no career path is foolproof. Industries change, technologies evolve, and what’s hot today might cool off tomorrow. Instead of chasing trends, focus on building transferable skills—problem-solving, communication, adaptability—that can carry you through any career shift.
I’ve always believed that the best career advice is to follow your curiosity, not just the money. Coding can still be a great skill to learn, but it’s not a golden ticket. Pair it with other strengths, stay flexible, and keep an eye on where the industry is headed.
The “learn to code” era may have oversold its promise, but it’s not the end of the road. By understanding the challenges—AI, outsourcing, and a crowded market—you can carve out a path that works for you. It won’t be easy, but then again, the best journeys rarely are. What’s your next step?
