One of the most respected figures in software engineering, Martin Fowler, offered guidance to junior developers navigating a turbulent tech landscape during a November 19 episode of "The Pragmatic Engineer" podcast. At 62, Fowler—chief scientist at software consultancy Thoughtworks and a key author of the 2001 Agile Manifesto—spoke candidly about the challenges facing the industry in 2025, a year marked by widespread layoffs and economic uncertainty. According to Layoffs.ai, over 114,000 tech workers have been let go in 2025 so far, approaching the total of nearly 153,000 laid off throughout all of 2024. Fowler described the current state of the software industry as a "depression," noting that businesses are pulling back on software investment at a time when AI is receiving massive funding. He characterized the AI boom as a "separate thing" that feels "clearly bubbly" and disconnected from the broader software development ecosystem. "The thing with bubbles is you never know how big they're going to grow, how long they'll last, or what comes after they pop," Fowler said, highlighting the unpredictability that makes the current moment especially difficult for new entrants. Despite the challenges, Fowler did not discourage junior developers from embracing AI tools. He acknowledged that large language models (LLMs) can be helpful, but warned that new developers often lack the experience to judge whether AI-generated code is accurate, efficient, or appropriate. That’s where mentorship becomes essential. He emphasized that finding a senior engineer to guide them is one of the most valuable steps a junior developer can take. "A good experienced mentor is worth their weight in gold," he said, underscoring the irreplaceable role of human insight in learning to code well. Fowler remains optimistic about the long-term future of software engineering. While he admitted the current moment may be less favorable for new developers than it was two decades ago, he believes the core skills—problem-solving, system design, and clear thinking—remain as vital as ever. He firmly stated, "I don't think AI is going to wipe out software development." Instead, he sees AI as a tool that will reshape the field, not eliminate it. The key for junior engineers, he said, is to focus on building deep understanding, not just relying on automation.