I’m starting this topic as a place to discuss strategies for how to navigate professional software engineering in 2026, now that these AI “tools” have been so widely integrated into the profession. Personally, I’m past the point of asking whether or not AI is good or bad. With the help of Brett and many others, I’ve realized AI is bad, full-stop, for all the reasons people here are familiar with. At the same time, I just started a new job and outside the AI stuff, it’s a pretty great opportunit…