[hncollege1234]

Ah okay, yeah I kind of thought about that too, having to start over but I've heard there's less ageism in traditional engineering roles so I figured over the long term it wouldn't be as bad.

Maybe that's something I should try first, diving into other subjects like graphics programming. In my spare time I just try to pursue other frontend projects and I end up not making much progress, maybe because I already do it so much for my day job. Can you point me to any resources you recommend for graphics programming? I've been playing around with three.js but that's still pretty high level.

My main worry is definitely AI. I feel like I have to increasingly prove my worth, and not even to my job but to myself. I worry that in the future I'll be laid off and it'll be hard to find another opportunity. That's also where the degree comes in as another worry. It feels like a no brainer that in a pool of applicants, someone with a degree would get picked over someone without one.

I appreciate you sharing your experience with EE and your thoughts about AI. It's nice to get another perspective on everything.

[purple-leafy]

I recommend diving into other areas, that’s when I started to feel much better about my career. I did the same thing, frontend in my spare time and you just start to feel like a one-trick pony.

For graphics I recommend getting into C first (try C programming a modern approach book) and then looking at a graphics API like SDL2 or OpenGL - that’s what I’m doing. I’m also picking up a UC San Diego course on graphics later this year.

I think the AI worries are mostly because AI seems so magical. Sure, it can spit out an algorithm, but it’s terrible at system design or anything slightly off the proven path. LLMs are beyond useless as soon as you hit any complexity. So, try building something complex (graphics, heavy DOM manipulation, games etc) maybe you need to challenge yourself a bit more etc. I’m pretty confident LLMs will not replace any seniors who can actually program and understand systems. But, if you ONLY know frontend, it may be worth broadening your knowledge.

Also consider that AI compute costs are INSANE and they are exponential, and LLMs are a huge factor worse at information compression than a human mind. I do not see this changing for decades. Consider that ChatGPT Claude etc have effectively been “trained” on all human knowledge, yet if you ask either which is bigger number “1.9 or 1.11” they always say 1.11 lol. LLMs are shit haha.

Also the fact you are already a Senior developer means more than a degree, you have experience.

Why not consider doing a Masters degree in Computer Science? You said you already have a Physics degree, I think a Masters is only 1-2 years. That would be much much easier than jumping into EE.

But, do what will make you feel best. When considering taking on studies, think how you’ll feel in 1 month, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years time etc.

You could look into a decision matrix to weigh up your options. Come up with 10-20 priorities (ageism, opportunities, compensation, remote work ability, fulfilment … etc) and rank them most important to least, and assign increasing weights of 1 to “n” where “n” is your top priority.

Then compare your options, eg “do EE degree”, “stay in CS”, “do CS masters” etc and give a unique score from 1 to “m” (eg in this case 1,2,3) for each option against each priority.

Then multiply by weights, sum up totals and see what comes out ahead!

That’s what I do for all big life decisions. Then brew on it for a few days, weeks, and play around with the calcs.

[hncollege1234]

Thank you for the suggestions, thinking about pursuing those other areas does make me feel better.

You're right about AI. I do use it as a supplement at work and I was never really worried about it until people I know that work on it or with it started getting in my head about how it's going to replace me. I realize that they're biased but it's hard to not take it personal. I really like your line about challenging myself more, you're completely right. I've gotten stagnant and while I think I would enjoy EE, I am using it as an escape from my current situation.

I've considered the degree in CS but I would have to start almost from scratch. I only have an associates so I would still have to get my bachelors first. I wouldn't mind pursuing it, but again I hear that it's not so useful anymore which led me to think about other degrees I would enjoy.

I'll definitely try the decision matrix and like you said, brew on it for a bit before making a decision because I have made rush decisions in the past. I think there will probably be a "grass is greener on the other side" moment with either choice but I just have to make one and stick with it.

[purple-leafy]

Great to hear and glad I could be of some help :)

The mass media, and most people are getting twisted regarding AI. I stopped listening and reading any AI news a while back, which really helps. I do think EE sounds a bit like escapism in its current form. If you do decide to do EE, do it from a place of confidence and passion rather than fear of career failure etc. that’s when you’ll know it’s a good choice.

I do think people over estimate degrees a bit, in Software you can get very far without one, just pays to have experience and a portfolio if possible.

Speaking of decision matrix, make sure to add a special priority called “green grass bias” and give it the inverse weight of your top priority. Eg if your top priority weight is “10”, this bias should be “-10”.

And for all the options that aren’t your current situation, add this negative bias to their totals. So if doing EE scores 50 points, after the bias it will score 40 points.

I use it as a way to calculate for bias where the grass is greener.

Good luck mate, it will all be okay