[NY] mid-career pivot out of tech?
Background:
My husband has a BS in Computer Science and about 10 years of experience. His background includes defense, support, and most recently learning technologies. He’s currently a top performer at his company and was recently promoted.
That said, his company is following broader tech trends and pushing heavy AI integration into his role. They’ve already gone through two rounds of layoffs as part of restructuring. Even though he’s doing well, we’re increasingly concerned about the long-term stability of his career, especially seeing what’s happening across the industry.
He’s starting to feel like AI could replace a significant portion of what he does in the near future.
Our situation:
\* We have a young family
\* He currently works remotely and makes roughly 130k
\* We value long-term stability and predictability
\* I’m able and willing to increase my part time work hours if needed
Paths he’s considering:
- Master’s in Computer Hardware / more specialized CS field
Pros:
\* Potentially more resilient to AI disruption
\* Higher earning potential
\* Keeps him in tech where he already has experience
Cons:
\* Likely in-person work / less flexibility
\* Longer hours and less family time
- Master’s in Education (teaching)
Pros:
\* He’s genuinely passionate about working with kids
\* Schedule would align with our children
\* More stability/consistent demand
Cons:
\* Significant pay cut
\* Would require lifestyle/budget changes
\* I would likely need to increase my workload
Question:
From a long-term perspective, which path seems more practical or “future-proof”? Are we overreacting to AI risk in tech, or is it reasonable to consider a pivot like this now?
Would especially appreciate input from people in tech or education who’ve faced similar decisions.