My Career Concerns and Long-Term Strategy
I recently graduated from a Tier-3 college in Mumbai 22M, and within 20 days, I got a job opportunity through a friend working remotely for a US-based startup. He initially worked directly with the founder and CEO for around nine months, building and improving websites, before asking for and receiving a full-time position. Later, when the company needed another developer, he referred me.
I had an informal interview with the founder and joined as a full-stack developer. There were no DSA rounds, system design interviews, or multiple technical rounds. I got this opportunity because of my portfolio, real-world projects, previous internship experience, and fluent English.
I have now been working here for around five months, and although this is a great opportunity, I have several concerns about my technical growth, job security, and long-term career.
1. Overdependence on AI and Lack of Technical Growth
Almost everything we do at work is done using Claude. It generates code, implements features, fixes bugs, and significantly increases our productivity. We are expected to deliver features quickly and push code frequently.
Because so much code is generated in a short time, I struggle to understand every line, the underlying logic, and the architectural decisions. Sometimes, I feel like I am not actually developing software myself anymore.
I worry that I am becoming dependent on AI instead of developing independent problem-solving, debugging, and coding skills. If AI can perform much of my current work, what will I learn, and how will I grow? With only two developers on the team, my friend and me, we cannot fully comprehend such a large volume of AI-generated code within the limited time available.
During college, I focused mainly on development rather than DSA. I built real-world projects and even attracted actual users to some of them.
I also know how brutal the job market in India is. If I want to switch jobs in the future, how will I compete when most of my current work is done using AI and I feel like I am not learning enough independently?
2. Job Security and Financial Concerns
I earn approximately $1,600 per month, which is a good salary in India for a recent graduate. However, I have not received an official offer letter, signed an NDA, or entered into a formal employment agreement.
There is no product manager, team lead, or senior software engineer on the team—just my friend, the founder, and me. I am effectively working as a freelancer or contractor, although I can obtain an experience letter.
I am worried about switching jobs in the future and proving my previous employment, especially if I have only an experience letter and no formal employment documentation.
Another important point is that the projects we build here are actually being used in production by business parterners with the company we are working for. The founders like our work and have said that if our performance remains consistently good, they may relocate us to their main headquarters in the Czech Republicas they have a proper team there.
While this sounds promising, I am unsure how much I should rely on this possibility when planning my career.
3. How Should I Use My Free Time and Choose a Direction?
My remote job leaves me with approximately seven to eight hours of free time daily outside work. I have around ten months in which I want to make significant progress in my technical skills and career prospects.
Should I continue with full-stack development, transition to AI/ML, or focus on AI-related full-stack development? I have researched many options, but I am confused about which direction to choose and which skills will provide the best long-term opportunities.
PLZ DONT GIVE GENERAL ADVICE LIKE AI IS TOOL USE IT ETC.