The buzz around the Great Resignation hit tech like a storm, but there’s a lot more going on under the surface than what’s been floating around on social media. Sure, we’ve heard a ton about burned-out engineers leaving for tropical islands or switching careers for “work-life balance.” Still, after years of coaching developers through challenging transitions, my experience tells me a different story. There’s a mix-up happening, but it’s rooted in people waking up to what they really want, not just running from bad bosses or endless Zoom calls.
What Actually Sparked The Great Tech Resignation?
It’d be easy to point fingers at layoffs, toxic cultures, or even remote work burnout. While these issues do matter, tech pros today are dealing with something more profound. Many are realizing that the traditional career ladder is no longer delivering the meaning or growth it once did. Instead, I’ve witnessed a wave of people waking up to what really lights them up, prompting a different kind of exit.
Major disruptions, such as AI advancements, new startup trends, and widespread remote work, have given developers a front-row seat to change. Rather than waiting for management to make changes, more people are asking big questions about fulfillment, freedom, and impact. This inner reset is far more potent than coffee perks or a four-day workweek.
It’s essential to recognize that these moments of change often serve as catalysts for a new level of self-awareness among tech professionals. Tools and platforms that once kept them tethered to a single company are shifting, and today’s engineers have more access to freelance opportunities, global customers, and remote team projects than ever before. This increased freedom creates a bigger pool of choices—for many pros, that’s the real spark behind the trend.
Cracking The Myth: It’s Not Just About Work Life Balance
The news likes to roll with easy answers: work-life balance, more money, or frustration with company politics. However, after speaking with dozens of engineers each month, I’ve noticed a recurring theme: personal values are shifting. The drive isn’t just for time off; it’s a hunger for autonomy, mastery, and purpose that work hasn’t been giving for a while now.
When a backend engineer tells me they’ve lost the fire, it’s rarely about ping pong tables or casual dress code. It’s about realizing they can design their own future, and that AI and remote tools have opened up possibilities to work for themselves, pursue their own projects, and even help others adopt new technologies from scratch.
- Autonomy: Tired of following someone else’s roadmap, a lot of tech pros want full ownership of their direction, projects, and daily flow.
- Mastery: The chance to get into the weeds, think outside the box, and really see your impact feels way more rewarding than being a cog in a big, slow system.
- Purpose: More and more developers care about building things that matter, whether that’s for their community, a mission-driven startup, or their own consultancy.
Awakening To New Possibilities: Consciousness Shift In Tech
There’s a buzzword going around—consciousness awakening—and while it sounds pretty abstract, I keep seeing it play out in practical, everyday decisions. Tech workers are getting more explicit about what they stand for. They’re not just chasing jobs; they’re looking to build lives that match their beliefs and interests.
This awakening often starts with frustration (think, “Is this what I want to do with my life?”) but grows into creative, proactive change. Some individuals are carving out their own consulting businesses, aiming to tap into AI or bring automation to new industries. Others are teaching, mentoring, or launching projects that give them meaning beyond code commits.
In my coaching sessions, I use tools like vision mapping and focused journaling to help pinpoint what actually brings people alive. When developers see that it’s possible to mix tech skills with personal goals, making the jump out of corporate isn’t nearly as scary.
This all-in-one approach is transforming how tech professionals view their careers. They realize they can have success without sacrificing autonomy. As more people openly share their new paths and what drives them, the spread of these new career stories helps normalize the move beyond traditional work setups.
Common Roadblocks Tech Pros Face On This Path
Even when you see new possibilities, it’s normal to hit doubts or practical hurdles. Here are the ones I see most often:
- Fear of Starting Over: Moving from a stable paycheck to your own consultancy or business can feel overwhelming, mainly when you’re used to predictable sprints and annual reviews.
- Lack of Clarity: Sometimes, what you want is foggy. People often get stuck trying to fit themselves into a specific job title instead of exploring how their skills can shape new opportunities.
- Analysis Paralysis: With AI evolving fast and so many “how-to” guides out there, you might freeze up just trying to pick a direction. Stuck research is something I see all the time!
- Imposter Syndrome: Even experienced engineers struggle with feeling not “expert enough” to help others, run workshops, or offer consulting services in the AI space.
Every one of these blocks is normal and totally workable with the right game plan and support system. Breaking things down into smaller experiments, connecting with like-minded peers, or simply chatting with a coach often helps.
Actionable Steps To Launching Your Own AI Consulting Business
If you’re reading this thinking, “I want to break out, but I’m not sure where to start,” here’s a quick guide based on what’s worked for people I’ve coached:
- Pinpoint Your Niche: Don’t try to help everyone. Focus on a narrow slice of tech—maybe helping small businesses automate workflows, or teaching others to integrate AI APIs. This clarity boosts your confidence and your pitch.
- Make The First Offer: You don’t need a polished website to start consulting. Reach out to a former colleague, a meetup group, or post in a Slack channel with a simple offer to help solve a real problem.
- Build Proof, Not Perfection: Offer a free workshop, create a quick case study, or collect a testimonial. These are way more valuable than spending months stuck on branding or business cards.
- Learn The Business Bits: Brush up on basic contracts, invoices, and setting boundaries for scope. There are free templates and tons of peers to ask for tips.
- Invest in, move forward. Get support—peer masterminds, a mentor, or 1:1 coaching makes a difference. The enablest mindset keeps you moving through setbacks and self-doubt.
Real World Stories: Awakening In Action
I’ve worked with several developers who turned quiet frustration into new AI consulting businesses. One client spent years at a big SaaS company, burned out by process overload. After mapping their strengths and interests, they transitioned to helping regional nonprofits establish AI-powered donor outreach. Within six months, they had more flexibility, fun, and impact than in years of traditional employment.
Another developer leveraged their cloud automation background to assist healthcare clinics in organizing patient data using AI tools. The kicker? They started by pitching their first workshop for free, then refined their offer based on feedback, picked up word-of-mouth referrals, and quickly reached their former full-time income working only four days a week.
If you’re on the fence, real stories like these can often help you picture what your own next stage could look like. The variety of projects and clients is expanding as technologies advance and organizations recognize the benefits of engaging specialized consultants. You might even stumble upon your own niche by listening to the pain points in the communities you care about.
Stuff To Consider Before Making The Leap
Switching gears isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There are challenges to plan for. Here are a few to think about:
- Income Fluctuation: The early months can be unpredictable, so having some savings or a side gig can help ease the pressure.
- Self Marketing: Sharing what you do may feel awkward at first, but it’s all about solving real
- Client Management: Juggling multiple projects or setting boundaries might be new. Simple CRM tools and regular check-ins go a long way.
- Ongoing Learning: The AI field changes fast, so setting aside time for courses, meetups, or hackathons is pretty essential.
Don’t forget to make time for networking as well. Whether online or at conferences, connecting with potential collaborators and mentors can boost your confidence and widen your opportunities. Small actions every week add up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions I hear a lot from tech pros considering the switch:
Q: Do I need to be an AI expert to start consulting?
A: Nope. You need a solid understanding of practical tools and the ability to communicate them to non-experts. You can deepen your expertise as you grow and develop.
Q: What if I don’t have a network or brand yet?
A: Most people start with friends, ex coworkers, or local meetups. Focus on helping one person at a time, and your network will build from there.
Q: How much can I realistically earn?
A: Rates vary, but even modest projects can match or exceed midlevel developer salaries. The more niche your service, the higher you can typically charge.
Q: How do I stay on top of AI trends?
A: Make it a habit to set aside a couple of hours each week for newsletters, podcasts, online forums, or industry events. Reading recent case studies will also help you spot patterns and keep your skills sharp.
Ready To Design Your Own Path?
Suppose you’ve been feeling that itch for something different—a business that’s built around your values, your strengths, and your timing—there’s no better moment to start exploring your options. I help tech pros like you carve out a business offering AI consulting, with tailored support every step of the way. If this is sparking something for you, consider booking a coaching session with me. Together we can create an action plan that moves you from wishing to launching, one small step at a time. Time to roll and build the career that really fits you.