Experienced Full-Stack Dev Struggling to Find Better Jobs — Is the Market Changing?
Hey everyone,
I’m a software engineer working at a small startup for the last few years. I mainly build full-stack web and mobile apps using JavaScript/TypeScript technologies like React, React Native (Expo), NestJS, PostgreSQL, WebSockets, OAuth integrations, AI integrations, etc.
Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of software engineering with the AI revolution happening so fast.
AI tools are becoming insanely powerful, and sometimes it feels like the market is changing faster than developers can adapt. I can already build complete mobile + web platforms, dashboards, real-time systems, authentication systems, AI-powered features, and deploy production apps — but still, applying for jobs often ends with the classic “Unfortunately…” rejection email.
I also tried freelancing platforms like Upwork, but competition there feels overwhelming unless you already have reviews and long-term clients.
So I wanted to ask experienced developers here:
- What do you think the software engineering market will look like in the next 5–10 years?
- Do you think full-stack/mobile developers still have a strong future?
- What skills are becoming the most valuable because of AI (not replaced by AI)?
- Are side hustles still realistic for developers in 2026?
- If you were in my situation, how would you make extra income outside your main job?
Would really appreciate honest advice from people already going through this.
Thanks 🙏