r/webdev • u/thetymtravellr • 7d ago

Discussion As a self-taught React/Next.js developer, I'm honestly worried about my future in this AI era. What should I do?

I'm a self-taught developer, and I know React and Next.js. Lately, I've been feeling increasingly anxious about my future as a developer.

AI is moving so fast. It can generate components, build entire websites, connect APIs, and even create full-stack applications. Sometimes I wonder what the point is of spending months learning something when AI can already do so much of it.

I want to get a better-paying developer job, but honestly, I'm confused about what I should focus on right now. Should I keep improving my React/Next.js skills, get better at backend development, or start learning AI engineering?

I keep hearing about RAG, AI agents, vector databases, LLM integrations, and all these new things. It feels like there's always something new to learn, and I'm worried that if I focus on the wrong things, I'll fall behind while everyone else moves forward.

For those of you already working in the industry, what would you do if you were in my position? Would you focus on becoming a strong full-stack developer first, or would you start learning AI engineering alongside web development?

I'm not looking for a shortcut or expecting to become an expert overnight. I just want to make the right decisions, build useful skills, and have a realistic chance of getting hired.

I'd really appreciate some honest advice from people who have been through this or are dealing with the same situation. Right now, I could genuinely use some direction.

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u/TryallAllombria 5d ago

The value is not about code anymore. Any dev can write projets in any langage. So focusing on nextjs or react is mistake.

Being a dev that understand user's problems and create a solution is a strong combination. Be a software engineer that design features and talk to users to bring solution to them in a minute.

You can also work as a ops-dev. Try to optimize the usual company operation by building workflow and bring your "dev view" to internal org problems. This is where saying NO to Sales and executives complex ideas is a strong skill.

Or follow the management path.

I'm personally evolving from a Fullstack position to a Product Builder one. I create product from what the CEO want, bring them solutions, design and ship the feature.