Software Industry Faces ‘Depression,’ Says Martin Fowler—Key Advice for Juniors

URGENT UPDATE: Renowned software developer Martin Fowler has declared that the software engineering sector is currently experiencing a “depression” due to significant declines in investment. In a recent episode of “The Pragmatic Engineer” podcast aired on November 19, 2025, Fowler emphasized the pressing challenges facing junior engineers amidst ongoing turmoil in the tech industry.

As of now, 114,000 tech employees have been laid off in 2025 alone, surpassing the total of 153,000 layoffs recorded throughout all of 2024, according to Layoffs.ai. Major tech firms are not holding back on job cuts, contributing to an unsettling atmosphere for new developers entering the field.

Fowler, who serves as chief scientist at Thoughtworks and co-authored the transformative Agile Manifesto in 2001, pointed out that while investment in artificial intelligence is booming, this surge occurs in a “separate” bubble that doesn’t benefit the broader software development landscape. He stated, “While businesses aren’t investing, it’s hard to make much progress in the software world.”

The unpredictable nature of the AI bubble poses significant risks, particularly for junior engineers just starting their careers. Fowler remarked, “The thing with bubbles is you never know how big they’re going to grow,” highlighting the uncertainty that permeates the industry.

Despite these challenges, Fowler offers crucial advice for aspiring software developers: seek mentorship from seasoned engineers. He emphasized, “A good experienced mentor is worth their weight in gold,” as junior developers may struggle to discern the quality of outputs generated by large language models (LLMs).

Fowler remains cautiously optimistic about the future of software engineering, asserting that the core skills required for success in the industry have not changed significantly over time. He believes that while the current environment may not mirror the boom of 20 years ago, there remains “plenty of potential in the future.”

In a reassuring statement, Fowler concluded, “I don’t think AI is going to wipe out software development.” His insights serve as a beacon of hope for junior engineers navigating this turbulent landscape.

As the software industry grapples with these urgent issues, the need for skilled mentorship and adaptability has never been more crucial. Stay tuned for further updates on industry trends and insights from leading experts.