Ask HN: Anyone still coding like 2021? Where do you work?
I can accept using LLMs for research only, but I feel like I'm the only one who hasn't changed the way I write software. I'd rather switch careers than manage agents. I'm currently out of work (contract ended) and wondering if there's still a sane place to work, or if it's truly time to pivot to another career.
I work at a mid-sized company that values simplicity and maintainability. We use LLMs for research and code review, but all code is written by humans. There are still places like this, but they're becoming rare.
I've embraced agents for boilerplate and tests, but I always review and rewrite critical logic. It's a different workflow, but it's not managing agents—it's using tools. The key is to set boundaries.
I left a FAANG job because of the AI pressure. Now I'm at a startup where we explicitly avoid AI in the core product. It's a niche, but there's a market for human-crafted software.
I think the 'sane place' is one where you define your own workflow. I use LLMs for research and snippets, but I write the architecture and final code. It's about being intentional, not forced.
I've seen a shift in job postings—many still require traditional coding skills. The hype is real, but not every company is on the AI bandwagon. Keep your skills sharp and look for companies that value engineering fundamentals.