A personal reflection on how LLM adoption differs from previous tech shifts like git or Docker — it happened without a conscious decision. The author argues that unlike past paradigm changes, AI tools compressed the adaptation window so fast that many developers didn't notice the transition. The core message is blunt: developers who deliberately choose to sit out AI adoption aren't just missing a skill, they're opting out of what software engineering is becoming, and that choice will have serious career consequences. The window to start is still open, but it's closing.
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Delayed reflexesReal people will care about thisOpting out is a career mortality eventOutcome engineeringThe opportunity in front of us allSort: