Boom, Bust, or Just the Beginning?

“Tech is dead.”
“AI will take over all the jobs.”
“Everyone’s getting laid off.”

I’m only 18. A freshman studying Computer Science. And I’ve already heard it from all, whether it be parents, friends, or random strangers, or even from relatives who barely understand what programming is.

Everywhere I go, someone’s got an opinion on why my future in tech is bleak.

“Choose something stable. Computer Science is too saturated now.”
“There are more CS degree holders than beggars.”
“Even Google and Meta are laying off engineers, so what hope is left?”

Sometimes, it feels like the noise is louder than the facts. Like the world is screaming doom, and I’m supposed to just accept it. But here’s the thing, I’m not buying it. Not yet. And here’s why.

The Fear Is Real, But So Is the Hype

We’ve all seen the headlines, right?

“Meta lays off 11,000 employees.”
“Startups shutting down after pandemic boom.”
“AI predicted to replace millions of jobs by 2030.”

These aren’t just stories; they’re real, and they shake confidence. I’ve seen cousins who were excited about CS switch to business, friends debating switching majors, and relatives nodding knowingly when I say, “I’m doing Computer Science.”

But here’s the thing people rarely say: this is part of a cycle.

Just like the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s, and like the 2008 financial crisis shook the world economy, tech goes through waves of boom and bust. The pandemic created a massive acceleration in digital adoption, but that surge couldn’t last forever. What we’re seeing is a correction, not a collapse.

What Nobody Tells You: The Industry Is Evolving, Not Dying

While the news focuses on layoffs, there’s an entire other story going on underneath. The tech world is shifting fast.

Big tech giants aren’t hiring fewer; they’re hiring differently. Roles are evolving from basic coding to cloud engineering, AI ethics, cybersecurity, DevOps, and quantum computing.

Look at companies like OpenAI and NVIDIA, as well as hundreds of startups in GenAI; they’re creating entirely new ecosystems of opportunity.

Traditional roles may be changing or even disappearing, but new jobs are popping up just as fast. The industry isn’t dead, it’s reinventing itself.

So the real question isn’t “Is tech dying?” It’s “Are we learning to evolve with it?”

The Asian Parent Paradox: Stability vs. Passion

Growing up, I heard the same well-intentioned advice over and over:

“Don’t take shortcuts.”
“Study hard, get a safe job.”
“An engineer or doctor guarantees you success.”

My dad means well. Every relative who worries about “job security” means well. But here’s the twist: security today doesn’t come from choosing the “safest” degree. It comes from adapting, learning, and creating your own opportunities.

I chose Computer Science not because it’s easy. Far from it. I chose it because I believe it’s the language of the future.

I’m not chasing job titles or salary reports. I’m here for the journey, the thrill of building something real, the challenge of debugging, and the joy of solving problems that matter.

Reality Check: Not Everyone Will Make It — But That’s Okay

Here’s the hard truth nobody sugarcoats:

Not every CS graduate will land a FAANG job.
Not every student will become a machine learning researcher.
Not everyone will build the next billion-dollar startup.

And that’s not a failure of the industry. It’s a reality check. The bar has simply gotten higher, the competition tougher.

You can’t just show up with a degree anymore. To stand out, you need:

• Real personal projects that showcase your skills

• Internships where you get your hands dirty

• A community to learn from and contribute to

• Writing and sharing your ideas thoughtfully

• Communication skills that help you collaborate and lead

In today’s tech world, your portfolio, not just your GPA, speaks volumes.

Why I’m Doubling Down on Learning and Growth

I’m not scared by this shift. Honestly, I’m excited.

While some people run from the uncertainty, I’m running toward it with curiosity, grit, and a plan.

I’m learning Python and diving into cloud certifications like AWS. I’m joining AI webinars, building projects on GitHub, connecting with professionals on LinkedIn, and applying to hackathons worldwide.

Not because I have to, but because I want to be the kind of developer the future demands — flexible, creative, and always learning.

And I think that’s exactly what the next wave of hiring will reward.

Final Thoughts: Boom, Bust, or Build?

So, is this a boom, a bust, or just noise?

Honestly, it’s none.

It’s build.

Build skills. Build projects. Build your own roadmap. Pave the way.

Let the world say what it wants. I’ve chosen my path.

Not because it’s easy.
Not because it’s the hottest trend.
But because it keeps me up at night with ideas I can’t wait to try.