When Big Tech Paychecks Disappear, Student Coders Flip Burritos Instead

 

The Coding Dream vs. Reality: How the Tech Job Market Shifted for a New Generation

Growing up near the heart of Silicon Valley, 21-year-old Manasi Mishra was surrounded by the energy, optimism, and success stories of the tech world. In her childhood in San Ramon, California, she often saw posts on social media from CEOs, software engineers, and industry leaders telling young people the same message:

“If you just learn to code, work hard, and earn a computer science degree, you can land a job that pays six figures right out of college.”

This wasn’t just marketing—it was a cultural mantra of the 2010s. Schools encouraged coding clubs. Nonprofits launched “learn to code” boot camps. Governments invested in STEM education programs. Even U.S. presidents and world leaders repeated the message that coding could be the ticket to a secure and lucrative future.

The Rise of the “Learn to Code” Movement

Back in the early 2010s, technology was exploding. Smartphones had gone mainstream, social media was reshaping communication, and companies like Facebook, Google, and Apple were expanding rapidly. Startups were raising millions, and demand for software engineers was at an all-time high.

Reports from that period showed tech companies paying entry-level software engineers $100,000 or more. The perks sounded like something out of a dream: free meals, nap pods, game rooms, stock options, and the freedom to work on creative, cutting-edge projects.

In this climate, “learning to code” became more than just an educational choice—it became a social movement. Foundations, schools, and online platforms told students across the world that they could “change the world” through technology. Websites like Code.org and initiatives like “Hour of Code” reached millions of children, inspiring them to create apps, games, and websites.

For kids like Manasi, this message felt personal.

A Young Girl’s Journey into Tech

Manasi’s first steps into programming came early. In elementary school, while most children were playing with toys, she was busy building her first website. By the time she entered high school, she was already taking advanced computing classes, learning multiple programming languages, and participating in tech competitions.

College seemed like the next natural step. She enrolled at Purdue University in Indiana, majoring in computer science—one of the most in-demand degrees of the time. She worked hard, built projects, and followed every piece of advice given by career counselors, tech mentors, and industry experts.

She believed what the world had told her: If you learn to code, you’ll have endless opportunities.

The Harsh Reality After Graduation

But the tech world she graduated into was very different from the one she had grown up believing in.

After spending a full year applying for jobs and internships, Manasi found herself without a single tech offer by the time she graduated in May. The only company that had contacted her for an interview wasn’t a tech giant—it was Chipotle, the restaurant chain.

This shocking reality hit her hard. In a TikTok video she posted over the summer—while casually getting ready for her day—she shared her frustration:

“I just graduated with a computer science degree, and the only company that has called me for an interview is Chipotle.”

Her video resonated with thousands, quickly amassing over 147,000 views. Many young people commented with similar experiences—stories of graduating with expensive degrees but struggling to even get callbacks for interviews.

What Changed in the Tech Industry?

Manasi’s story is part of a much bigger shift in the global tech job market.

1. Tech Layoffs and Hiring Freezes
   In recent years, major companies like Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft have conducted massive layoffs, affecting tens of thousands of employees. Many of these companies also froze hiring for entry-level positions. This made it harder for fresh graduates to find openings, especially without prior work experience.

2. The Rise of Automation and AI
   Ironically, the very technologies young people were encouraged to study are now automating parts of those same jobs. Tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT can write code quickly, reducing the demand for large junior developer teams.

3. Global Competition
   The internet has made it possible for companies to hire talent from anywhere in the world. This means a graduate in Silicon Valley might be competing with equally skilled candidates from India, Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia—often willing to work for lower salaries.

4. Inflated Expectations
   The “learn to code” campaign promised six-figure salaries and glamorous work environments. But in reality, many tech jobs now start with far more modest pay, especially in smaller companies or non-tech industries.

The Emotional Impact on a Generation

For students like Manasi, the disappointment isn’t just about money—it’s about identity. They spent years believing they were preparing for a thriving, innovative industry, only to enter a market where even getting an interview is a struggle.

Social media, once a source of motivation, has also become a place where young graduates compare themselves to peers who seem to be “winning” in tech. This can lead to feelings of failure, frustration, and even questioning whether choosing computer science was the right decision at all.

Is the Dream Over? Not Quite.

While the tech job market is undeniably more competitive, opportunities still exist—but they may require rethinking old assumptions. Experts suggest:

• Diversifying Skills: Instead of only focusing on coding, graduates can learn related skills like product management, UX design, AI ethics, or data analysis.

• Exploring Non-Tech Companies: Many industries—healthcare, education, manufacturing—need tech talent, but don’t advertise as loudly as Silicon Valley giants.

• Building Real-World Portfolios: Employers now value proof of skills over degrees alone. Open-source contributions, freelance projects, and personal apps can stand out on resumes.

• Networking Relentlessly: Building industry connections through meetups, LinkedIn, and alumni networks can sometimes open doors faster than online applications.

The Global Picture

It’s worth noting that while Silicon Valley may be saturated, in many parts of the world, tech talent is still in short supply. Countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America are experiencing rapid digital transformation, creating fresh demand for skilled developers.

However, even in these regions, the promise of “learn to code and get rich” must be balanced with realistic expectations about job availability, competition, and the evolving role of technology in the workplace.

A Shift in the Narrative

The “learn to code” movement was built on optimism—and for many, it still works. But Manasi’s story shows why young people need the full picture: coding is a valuable skill, but not a guaranteed golden ticket. The tech world moves fast, and what’s true one decade may not be true the next.

For today’s graduates, success may mean being adaptable, broadening their skill set, and embracing industries beyond the traditional tech giants.

And for the rest of us, it’s a reminder that while technology can open doors, hard work alone isn’t always enough—it also takes timing, opportunity, and sometimes, a little bit of luck.