I'm an unemployed software developer who is skeptical of AI. Can I still find a job in tech?

By Aditi Shrikant

'I was approached by one company who wants to use AI to dispatch ambulances'

"I'm trying to avoid working on AI systems that directly affect people's everyday lives or make high-stakes decisions." (Photo subject is a model.)

Dear Dollar Signs,

I'm a software developer and have worked in tech for the past 11 years. I was laid off two months ago, and I've been struggling to find a new role.

I've been laid off before, but this job search has felt much harder. Part of the reason is that I initially tried to avoid roles that involved AI, but I quickly realized that's almost impossible. I'm skeptical of the technology and worried about the harm it could cause.

Nearly every job listing I come across mentions AI in some way. Not every company is building AI products, but almost all of them expect applicants to be fluent in AI tools or to use AI-assisted coding.

I don't mind building software for businesses, but I'm trying to avoid working on AI systems that directly affect people's everyday lives or make high-stakes decisions. For example, I'm not interested in working on projects for defense or law enforcement. One company even approached me about helping build an AI system to dispatch ambulances, which made me uncomfortable.

How am I supposed to navigate today's job market as a tech worker who is skeptical of AI? Is it still possible to have a career in software development without compromising my values?

AI Skeptic

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Dear Skeptic,

It seems like every industry is being held hostage by artificial intelligence. New graduates lament that while their college professors discouraged the use of AI tools, hiring managers applaud it.

It sounds like you have very reasonable, value-informed boundaries when it comes to jobs. This isn't a bad thing! To be clear, that example about ambulances scares me, too.

But if you want to remain in the tech sector, you will need to use AI, says Oded Netzer, a professor at Columbia Business School. "It's like saying, 'I don't want to use Excel, but I want to be an accountant,'" he says.

I actually see your skepticism as a plus, and I'd guess that many hiring managers would, too. It seems to me that you want to know the difference between products and activities that use AI versus products and activities that are generated entirely by AI.

Ask those questions in an interview - and the more specific, the better. What safeguards are in place? How are AI solutions reviewed? At what stage are employees involved in this decision-making process?

Something I've heard over and over again from recruiters is that AI is useful, but only if a person demonstrates they have good judgment. Yes, they want you to know how to use AI. But, perhaps more importantly, they want you to know when to question AI.

To critique any tool, though, you have to be well versed in it, says Daniel Zhao, chief economist at Glassdoor.

"Someone who understands the limits and capability of AI is going to be in a better position to push back on cases where it's not as helpful," he says. "For somebody who has a clear-eyed picture of the benefits and limits of AI, I think there is a lot of demand for that kind of skillset."

In interviews, try to reframe your skepticism as discernment. Pitch yourself as someone who understands AI and therefore knows when to leave it out of the picture.

Different types of tech jobs use AI

It would also help to separate these job listings into two different camps, Netzer suggests: "Are you creating code for a product where AI is the output, or are you using AI to create the code? In today's environment, the latter is almost non-negotiable."

All that AI-coding fluency means is you know how to use AI to be more productive and effective. Many of the mundane, routine tasks, like debugging code, can be done by AI. From what you're saying, this won't infringe upon your values and would make you a more efficient worker.

If you only apply to jobs where AI is being used to create code, consider making other concessions. Would you come into the office more regularly if you didn't feel like you were contributing to a product that might cause harm? Would you take a lower salary for some peace of mind about what you're building? These answers can all help you decide what position makes sense to you.

Continue to apply to jobs that align with your ethics. Most industries, regardless of whether they are tech or not, will use AI and may even mention AI in job listings. It does not mean they are beholden to it.

Just present yourself as knowledgeable and open-minded, as opposed to a blanket cynic.

Write to Dollar Signs at dollarsigns@marketwatch.com.

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-Aditi Shrikant

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08-08-26 1430ET