In this episode of What Next? I'm a Software Engineer, James Wilson is joined by Matthew Sinclair to unpack how AI is changing the way engineers work, code, and think.

They discuss:

Why AI is both a superpower and a trap

The shift from imperative to declarative computing

How tools like Claude can help you rubber-duck a spec

Why engineers who refuse to adapt may fall behind

What hiring managers are really looking for in the age of AI

If you're a developer wondering whether AI is your best friend or worst enemy, this one’s for you.

👉 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you’ve got thoughts on AI and the future of engineering.

📩 Have an idea for a future topic? Reach out to us directly!

Related:

https://whatnext.dev

https://matthewsinclair.com

https://quantumfaxmachine.com

"I'm a Software Engineer ~ what next?" is a podcast for software engineers at a career crossroads.

Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran software engineer Matt Sinclair, it offers insights into navigating career transitions from individual contributor roles to management and beyond.

Featuring discussions on personal growth and leadership, this podcast guides engineers seeking career direction and development. Join us to explore the paths and possibilities that lie ahead in the tech industry.Have you ever wondered when it's time to walk away from your role—and when it really isn't? In this episode, James and Matt dive into the messy reality of engineers switching jobs. They explore:- Burnout and bad management- The lure of salary bumps and startup glory- Strong views on functional programming- The myth of startup equity, and- Why time-compressed learning might be the biggest win of allIf you've ever wondered if now was the right time to stay or go, this episode might be for you.🎧 20 minutes. Zero fluff. Tune in now.Show Notes:- Let's talk about 4/3 time: https://medium.com/@matthewsinclair/0133-lets-talk-about-4-3-time-37c89de5a17b- TPS Reports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy3rjQGc6lA- Office Space (1999): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0151804Hosts:- Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclair/- James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656/Related:- https://whatnext.dev- https://matthewsinclair.com- https://quantumfaxmachine.com

I'm a Software Engineer ~ what next? is a podcast for software engineers at a crossroads.

Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran engineer Matt Sinclair, it explores what it means to grow in your career—whether you're staying on the IC track, moving into leadership, or redefining success entirely.🎙 In this episode, we tackle the title trap.Matt and James dig into:- How culture affects how we view titles (Australia vs UK vs US)- What titles really say (and don't say) about your skills or impact- Why some companies strip titles altogether—and what happens when they do- Whether the only way to get promoted is to become a manager- How to think about IC progression when the ladder isn't clear- How to stand out without relying on your CV or job title.If you've ever wondered whether you're a "Senior Engineer" or just stuck in a system that defines progress by job titles, this episode might be for you. 🎧 16 minutes Show Notes & LinksHosts:Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclair/James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656/Website: https://whatnext.devMore from Matt: -https://matthewsinclair.com-https://quantumfaxmachine.com