Techie lost her job to AI but had a backup career plan. Why she left software engineering forever?

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the job market, workers across various industries are grappling with its impact. In the tech sector especially, automation and machine learning are changing how work gets done—and in many cases, who gets to do it. For some, these changes bring opportunity. For others, they signal a time to move on. One software engineer from Oklahoma made the rare decision to walk away from tech entirely, not out of defeat but with a clear backup plan already in motion.

As per Business Insider, Tabby Toney, 37, was among the many engineers who saw the writing on the wall. Speaking to Business Insider, she shared how AI was transforming her work in ways she no longer enjoyed. The hands-on problem-solving and creativity she once thrived on were being replaced by systems that left little room for individual input. As layoffs swept across the industry, she wasn’t surprised when her own job was cut in May 2025.

Rather than return to the same field, Toney turned to something very different: welding. What started as a high school hobby became a serious option as she sought work that felt more purposeful. Welding offered her the same kind of intellectual challenge she once found in coding—but with more tangible results. She’s now preparing to begin formal training and build a future outside the tech world.

The U.S. tech industry in January-March quarter led all sectors in job cuts. Microsoft recently announced plans to lay off nearly 4% of its workforce, following a previous round of layoffs in May that affected around 6,000 employees. The move comes as the company ramps up investments in AI infrastructure while cutting costs elsewhere. AI is already transforming operations, from customer service to software development. According to a Bloomberg report, AI now generates 35% of the code for new products, significantly accelerating product launches.

A Career Built Through Persistence

Before leaving the industry, Toney had built a solid career in software, despite not following a traditional path. She started in manual testing, learning programming through self-study and online resources. Over time, she worked her way into fullstack development roles, handling everything from backend APIs to frontend features.

Her most recent position was at SumerSports, where she worked remotely from September 2023 to May 2025. Prior to that, she held engineering roles at Clevyr and Tailwind, contributing to projects using TypeScript, Vue.js, Laravel, and PostgreSQL. She was also involved in mentoring junior developers and writing unit tests. At Calvient, she helped integrate social login features and automate surveys. Earlier, she had significant QA engineering experience at Trimble Inc. and Paycom, focusing on automated testing and quality assurance tools.

Experience Beyond Software

Before transitioning into tech, Toney worked in fields ranging from education to client services. At the Oklahoma Historical Society, she coordinated public programming and edited publications. She also taught U.S. history at Rose State College and the University of Central Oklahoma. Her earlier jobs included roles as a legal assistant and client advisor—positions that demonstrate her adaptability and broad skill set.

Now, with a new career path ahead of her, Toney is focused on learning the craft of welding in depth. Though she’s already taken on small projects, she plans to begin formal training in August. She says she has no plans to return to software, feeling a sense of relief and clarity after stepping away.