Summary in Plain Language
This report sheds light on a very concerning new phenomenon in the job market for professionals in the internet industry: Front-end developers, who used to compete fiercely to enter the field, are now facing significant difficulties. Many are even claiming that the front-end field is “dead.” As a result, they are flocking to obtain certifications as electricians or switching to work in the industrial sector as PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or upper computer engineers, thinking they have found a stable job with no layoffs and no age discrimination. However, once they actually start working in these new fields, they realize that it often comes at the cost of almost all their personal lives. Some even find new challenges in these industries and end up returning to the internet sector. Essentially, the job-seeking logic of today’s young people has completely changed. Instead of pursuing high salaries and rapid promotions, they now prioritize stability and a clear path for career advancement.
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Detailed Analysis in Four Dimensions
1. Why has the once-desired front-end field become a “job crisis zone”?
It’s not that the front-end technology itself has become obsolete; rather, the underlying logic of the internet industry, which relies heavily on front-end developers, has changed dramatically:
- The recession in capital has led to a sharp decline in demand. A few years ago, even small businesses like tea shops would invest in developing mini-programs or apps. Now, with the boom in startups over, the number of new front-end development projects has plummeted by 90%, resulting in a significant reduction in demand.
- AI has taken over many of the tasks that used to be done by front-end developers. For example, creating event pages or modifying user interfaces used to require days of coding; now, AI can generate functional versions in minutes. What used to take 10 people to do can be done by just two. In the future, AI may even handle the detailed work of front-end, back-end, and testing tasks, eliminating the need for so many professionals.
- Large companies are increasingly relying on outsourcing for flexible labor. They cut down on permanent positions because they don’t have to pay high severance costs when projects are completed. Nine out of ten resumes submitted are from outsourced workers, who have no job security. Many front-end developers who worked in this field five years ago have only seen a small increase in salary after two or three layoffs and are now considered too old by employers, leaving them with no clear future prospects.
2. What exactly are the “miraculous” positions that front-end developers are switching to, such as PLC and upper computer engineers?
These positions don’t require complex technical jargon. Imagine the entire factory’s automated production line as a single entity:
- PLC engineers control the “movement” of the production line, ensuring that each machine operates correctly and the assembly process flows smoothly. They are like electricians with programming skills.
- Upper computer engineers manage the “eyes and brain” of the production line, responsible for creating monitoring screens and production management systems. They are like programmers who understand how the factory operates.
These positions are attractive because they address several pain points of the internet industry: AI cannot yet fully replace their work, and many factories still prohibit external connections for security reasons. PLC engineers become more valuable with experience, as they can troubleshoot issues on-site. They are less likely to be laid off and are in high demand, especially in their mid-30s, with almost no age discrimination.
- The demand for these positions is stable, as many factories in China are upgrading their automation systems. The annual salary for these roles can easily exceed 10,000 yuan, and after a few years of experience, it’s possible to earn hundreds of thousands of yuan, which is higher than what many front-end developers currently earn.
3. Don’t mistake switching careers for finding a “safe haven”
Many people think escaping the internet industry’s layoffs means finding a paradise, but in reality, the new challenges are just as severe:
- Working in these fields often means sacrificing a large part of one’s personal life, such as traveling to different factories across the country, being on call 24/7, and having to fix equipment emergencies at any time. There’s little time for personal life or relationships.
- The stability of these positions is also questionable. The entry barrier is low, and many electricians with a middle school education can learn basic programming and start working in PLC maintenance. As more new graduates enter the market, competition will intensify, and the working conditions can be harsh. For example, engineers working in factories often have no privacy, and some factories are extremely unreasonable in their regulations.
- While these positions offer stability, they may not be as desirable as the internet industry. The trade-offs between personal life and job security vary from person to person.
4. The chaos of career transitions reveals an unacknowledged truth
The story of the young man who returned to the internet industry after two years in the industrial sector illustrates this point. His salary didn’t increase, and his skills became obsolete. It was his English skills, acquired during a break, that helped him land a job with a regular schedule and better working conditions. This story highlights the misconception that there are “permanent, safe” jobs. No industry is completely secure; the real key to stability is having skills that others cannot replace—whether it’s specialized technical knowledge, language skills, or the ability to fix complex industrial problems. Only such skills can truly ensure a job without fear of layoffs.