I recently watched a Forbes video featuring some pretty eye-opening insights about AI and the tech job market. Misha Kaufman, CEO of Fiverr, really set the tone when he sent a blunt memo to his 1,200 employees: “AI is coming for your jobs. Heck, it’s coming for my job, too. This is a wakeup call.” That kind of honesty doesn’t just make you sit up and listen — it makes you think seriously about what AI means for careers in tech.
Kaufman’s perspective is interesting because he doesn’t just warn about job losses; he frames AI as something that’s going to elevate our abilities. Tasks that were once tough will get easier, and what used to be impossible will just become hard, thanks to AI tools that are free for everyone to use. But here’s the kicker: since everyone has access, “no one has an advantage,” Kaufman says, and those who don’t adapt might be “doomed.” That’s a sobering thought for anyone working in tech.
One part that really stood out to me was how Kaufman talks about the atmosphere in his own office. Developers are openly asking, “Guys, are we going to have a job in 2 years?” The fact that these fears are out in the open — and not just whispered behind closed doors — tells you how real this concern is. And he felt the need to validate their worries directly, which is quite telling.
Entry-Level Developers Feeling the Heat
It’s not just anecdotal fears. Ruy Chen, a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford‘s Institute for Human-Centered AI, shared some data showing that since the launch of ChatGPT, employment for entry-level developers (ages 18-25) has dropped slightly. Although the change is described as “small,” it’s noted as a significant shift in an industry that has long been seen as a gateway to lucrative, stable careers.
Chen also pointed out something I hadn’t thought about much before — that the average performers in tech might struggle more than those who excel. In other words, AI might be raising the bar so high that only the truly exceptional have a strong advantage. It’s like AI is both a productivity booster and a strict gatekeeper.
More CEOs Sounding the Alarm
Other tech leaders are getting pretty direct, too. Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei warned AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs and cause unemployment to spike to 20% within five years. That’s a bold prediction, but it’s made alongside real-world actions. Amazon‘s CEO Andy Jassy openly said AI will reduce their corporate workforce because fewer people will be needed for some jobs. Shopify’s CEO Toby Lutke even put out a memo limiting new hires to only roles that AI can’t automate.
It’s not just talk either. Companies are making moves. IBM replaced hundreds of HR staff with AI, reducing 8,000 positions overall. Language learning app Duolingo stopped using contractors for tasks AI can do. Even Microsoft let go of 9,000 employees recently. While the company didn’t specifically blame AI for layoffs, CEO Satya Nadella revealed that AI now writes about 30% of their code, and the company is clearly investing heavily in AI technologies.
One Microsoft employee laid off in this wave told Forbes, “This is what happens when a company is rearranging priorities.” That really sums it up — AI integration isn’t just changing workloads, it’s reshaping who companies need to keep on board.
It’s Complicated: AI, Economy, and Hiring Trends
Of course, it’s tough to say AI is the only reason for layoffs or hiring freezes. The economic environment is uncertain — tariffs and pandemic aftershocks have caused companies to get leaner. Many might just be fixing pandemic-era overhiring. Still, the fact remains that AI is now a major factor in these decisions.
All in all, this video gave me a realistic, no-nonsense view of AI’s effects on tech jobs today. It’s not just a futuristic worry — it’s happening right now, and it’s already tough for younger, less experienced developers. The message is clear: adapt and upskill, or risk being left behind.
