Career Advice for 2025: Navigating a Tougher Job Market

The job market in 2025 isn’t as fun as it used to be. Many professionals who thrived in the 2010-2020 era are feeling left behind as the industry shifts focus. Companies now value speed, hands-on technical execution, and AI adaptation over traditional leadership skills like hiring and team-building. The rise of foundational models and large language models (LLMs) is reshaping the industry, invalidating old playbooks and making even strong candidates struggle to find meaningful opportunities. Funding is tight, AI companies dominate investor interest, and employees are being pushed to do more with fewer resources. If you're frustrated in your current role, the article advises trying to make it work rather than hoping the market will improve soon. As the author warns, "Sitting out this transition, when we are relearning how to develop software, feels like a high-risk proposition."

Key Points:

• The Fun is Fading: Many leaders who entered senior roles in 2010-2020 are now struggling, as the job market prioritizes different skills such as rapid execution and AI integration.
• AI is Reshaping Everything: Foundational models and LLMs are forcing businesses to rethink their strategies, making old leadership methods less relevant.
• Tighter Market, Fewer Opportunities: Non-AI companies face valuation and funding challenges, making hiring and promotions less frequent.
• AI Boom's Harsh Reality: AI companies are in a highly competitive space—joining one now means long hours with uncertain rewards.
• Employees Being Pushed Harder: Companies are demanding more from existing teams due to restricted hiring and funding.
• Harder to Job-Hop: Even strong candidates are struggling to find roles they actually want. Those with "oddities" in their resumes, like short stints, face tougher filtering.
• Making Peace with the Present: If you're employed but unhappy, it may be worth finding ways to make your role work rather than risking long-term unemployment.

Takeaway:

2025’s job market is rough, and AI-driven disruption is making careers less predictable. Staying adaptable and engaged—even in a frustrating job—may be the safest bet right now.
Link to Article