Software Engineers: Your Job Path Just Changed

Jean Lee December 8, 2025
Video Thumbnail

About

I’m Jean—an ex-WhatsApp early engineer and Meta manager with over 20 years in tech. I was an early engineer at WhatsApp before its $19B acquisition by Meta, then led engineering teams at Meta, where I experienced firsthand how technology evolves and shapes the world. Now, I’m on a mission to break down how AI is changing our careers, industries, and the future of work. AI will transform how we work, learn, and live, and many are overwhelmed by what this means—especially those without access or context. My goal is to simplify these concepts and make them accessible to everyone—whether you’re starting in tech, pivoting careers, or just curious about AI’s impact. I’m here to bring credible, practical insights into the conversation, helping you not just keep up, but take advantage of AI opportunities. No hype. No jargon. Just real-world insights for navigating AI and what’s next. ✅ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanklee/ ✅ https://www.exaltitude.io

Video Description

Meta is reportedly cutting up to 30% of its Metaverse and Reality Labs budget(which included salaries), and Wall Street is cheering, but what does this mean for tech jobs, software engineers, AI engineers, and machine learning careers? This is a major shift away from long-term projects like VR, AR, and hardware engineering and toward revenue-driven areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and AI infrastructure. For anyone in tech careers, especially software engineers, AI engineers, ML engineers, data engineers, and AI researchers, this signals where hiring is headed: ✅ More roles in AI development, automation, cloud and infrastructure engineering, and ML platforms ✅ Fewer jobs tied to speculative R&D, including metaverse hardware, extended reality, and experimental teams ✅ Increased pressure to work on projects that have direct revenue impact through AI If you’re working in tech companies, especially FAANG companies like Meta, your career stability now depends on whether your skills connect to high-impact AI initiatives. The message is clear for anyone in tech jobs in 2025: 👉 Learn AI engineering, ML workflows, and AI-powered development. 👉 Focus on skills that drive business efficiency and growth. I’m Jean, ex-WhatsApp engineer and former Meta hiring manager, and I help people navigate software engineering jobs, AI careers, and the real future of tech hiring. 🎯 Want to pivot into AI? Watch my full AI Engineer Roadmap video to learn the exact skills companies are hiring for now. 👉 https://youtu.be/CthJtKKthVA #TechJobs #AIJobs #SoftwareEngineering #MachineLearning #artificialintelligence 📎 Resources: ============== ✅ FREE AI ML Roadmap Self Study Plan (16-page PDF Guide) https://www.exaltitude.io/job-seekers?utm_source=youtube ✅ The FREE Ultimate ATS-Friendly Resume Checklist https://www.exaltitude.io/job-seekers?utm_source=youtube ✅ Download the FREE Job Search Keyword Toolkit in a PDF file https://www.exaltitude.io/resume-handbook?utm_source=youtube ✅ The Ultimate Resume Handbook https://www.exaltitude.io/resume-handbook?utm_source=youtube ✅ FREE Interview Prep Resources https://www.exaltitude.io/job-seekers?utm_source=youtube ✅ FREE ATS-Friendly Resume Template https://www.exaltitude.io/job-seekers?utm_source=youtube 🚀 Learn to code ======================== Machine Learning Bootcamp: https://links.zerotomastery.io/MLBootcamp_Exaltitude Career Path Quiz: https://links.zerotomastery.io/CPQuiz_Exaltitude All Courses: https://links.zerotomastery.io/Courses_Exaltitude 🎙️Other videos you might be interested in ======================== 99% of Engineers Are Using AI Tools Wrong https://youtu.be/OvMoKZWtyKE STOP Taking Random AI Courses. Read These Instead https://youtu.be/KPhZkvPBiMk AI Engineering: A Realistic Roadmap for Beginners https://youtu.be/CthJtKKthVA Why You Can’t Get Interviews: The Tech Job Market Shift https://youtu.be/j8r5iTsZ3rA AI ML Roadmap 👉https://youtu.be/nznFtfgP2ks 🖥️ My SETUP ======================== https://www.amazon.com/shop/exaltitude/list/3NBYWPBJ39LA7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfexaltitude_9BS9RJSNJNBXTT94GBYW_f 📣✨Connect with me ======================== 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanklee/ ✉️ Newsletter: https://www.exaltitude.io/newsletter 📲 Email for business inquiries: [email protected] 📌 Website: https://www.exaltitude.io/?utm_source=youtube 🌸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanexplains/reels/ I give advice for navigating your engineering career journey successfully. ⭐️About me ======================== I’m Jean, an ex-WhatsApp early engineer and Meta manager with over 20 years in tech. I was an early engineer at WhatsApp before its $19B acquisition by Meta, then led engineering teams at Meta, where I experienced firsthand how technology evolves and shapes the world. Now, I’m on a mission to break down how AI is changing our careers, industries, and the future of work. AI will transform how we work, learn, and live, and many are overwhelmed by what this means, especially those without access or context. No hype. No jargon. Just real-world insights for navigating AI and what’s next. Credits ======================== 🖼️ All images, graphics, and b-roll videos used in this video were sourced from Canva. I may earn a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links on this website. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating content for you.

Upgrade Your Everyday

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal

Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal

(21,817)
149.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
9K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

(26,751)
$118.98$114.22
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 17
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, True Wireless Stereo Earphones with IPX7 Waterproof, Noise Cancelling Mic, Fast Charging and Comfort Fit Ear Buds for Sports/Workouts - Black

Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, True Wireless Stereo Earphones with IPX7 Waterproof, Noise Cancelling Mic, Fast Charging and Comfort Fit Ear Buds for Sports/Workouts - Black

(1,741)
$19.99
FREE delivery Sun, Jun 22 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone

(23,152)
$89.99$83.69
FREE delivery Thu, Sep 4
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

(38,487)
$199.00$187.32
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 3
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men/Women, 1.95" AMOLED Fitness Tracker Watches with Bluetooth Calls/Flashlight/100+ Sport Modes Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor Ultra Lightweight Ultrathin Design

Smart Watch for Men/Women, 1.95" AMOLED Fitness Tracker Watches with Bluetooth Calls/Flashlight/100+ Sport Modes Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor Ultra Lightweight Ultrathin Design

(0)
17.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Loading...
Smart Watch for Men Women (Answer/Make Call), 1.96" HD Smartwatch Fitness Activity Tracker, 110+ Sports IP68 Waterproof, Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor/Pedometer/Calories, Fitness Watch for Android iOS

Smart Watch for Men Women (Answer/Make Call), 1.96" HD Smartwatch Fitness Activity Tracker, 110+ Sports IP68 Waterproof, Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor/Pedometer/Calories, Fitness Watch for Android iOS

(550)
24.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
Best Seller

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Light Blush Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

(7,994)
$329.00$296.10
FREE delivery Thu, Jul 3
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
Best Seller

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

(7,993)
$299.00$269.10
FREE delivery Thu, Jul 3
8K+ bought in past month
Loading...
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines
Best Seller

NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines

(117,789)
$99.95$75.43
FREE delivery Sun, Sep 21
30K+ bought in past month
Loading...
UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W Portable Charger 72Wh PD Fast Charging 3-Port USB C Battery Pack with TFT Smart Display for MacBook/iPad/iPhone 16/Samsung S24 and More

UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W Portable Charger 72Wh PD Fast Charging 3-Port USB C Battery Pack with TFT Smart Display for MacBook/iPad/iPhone 16/Samsung S24 and More

(1,903)
69.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
500+ bought in past month
Loading...
ANKER 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger with 140W Fast Charging, Smart Display, for Outdoor Work, Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14 Series, Vision Pro, Samsung, MacBook, and More

ANKER 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger with 140W Fast Charging, Smart Display, for Outdoor Work, Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14 Series, Vision Pro, Samsung, MacBook, and More

(13,939)
109.99
FREE delivery Saturday, June 14
9K+ bought in past month
Loading...
VOLTME Portable Charger, Slim 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&Out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, Travel Essentials Dual Output Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung Google iPad etc

VOLTME Portable Charger, Slim 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&Out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, Travel Essentials Dual Output Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung Google iPad etc

(51)
19.99
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip

(26,751)
$118.98$114.22
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 17
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone
Best Seller

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone

(23,152)
$89.99$83.69
FREE delivery Thu, Sep 4
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

(38,487)
$199.00$187.32
FREE delivery Fri, Oct 3
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

(10,961)
249.00
FREE delivery Wednesday, June 11.
1K+ bought in past month
Loading...
Barnyard Designs Indoor Herb Garden Planter Set with Tray, Metal Windowsill Plant Pots with Drainage for Outdoor or Indoor Plants, Set/3 (Black)

Barnyard Designs Indoor Herb Garden Planter Set with Tray, Metal Windowsill Plant Pots with Drainage for Outdoor or Indoor Plants, Set/3 (Black)

(3,684)
26.95
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
Eye Contact Web Camera for Desktop Computer – 1080P USB Camera with Microphone & Stand, Center Cam for Laptop or Desktop, Manual Focus, Plug & Play for macOS & Windows(Black)

Eye Contact Web Camera for Desktop Computer – 1080P USB Camera with Microphone & Stand, Center Cam for Laptop or Desktop, Manual Focus, Plug & Play for macOS & Windows(Black)

(96)
37.39
PrimeFREE delivery Saturday, June 14
100+ bought in past month
Loading...
PEHAEL 3+3Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protector with Camera Lens Protector Full Coverage Anti-Spy Tempered Glass Film 9H Hardness Easy Installation Bubble Free [6.9 inch]

PEHAEL 3+3Pack for iPhone 17 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protector with Camera Lens Protector Full Coverage Anti-Spy Tempered Glass Film 9H Hardness Easy Installation Bubble Free [6.9 inch]

(151,641)
$7.99$6.39
FREE delivery Mon, Sep 29 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
New on Amazon in past month
Loading...
Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protector for iPhone 16 Pro Max [6.9 inch] + 3 Pack Camera Lens Protector with Installation Frame,Sensor Protection,Dynamic Island Compatible,Case Friendly Tempered Glass Film

Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protector for iPhone 16 Pro Max [6.9 inch] + 3 Pack Camera Lens Protector with Installation Frame,Sensor Protection,Dynamic Island Compatible,Case Friendly Tempered Glass Film

(362,029)
$7.63
FREE delivery Wed, Aug 20 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
10K+ bought in past month
Loading...
2025 AI Portable Fan Rechargeable, 4 Speeds 6600RPM Strong Airflow, Personal Waist Fan with up to 25H of Working Time, Hands-Free Hanging Neck Fan, Wearable Belt Fan for Camping, Outdoor, Jobsite

2025 AI Portable Fan Rechargeable, 4 Speeds 6600RPM Strong Airflow, Personal Waist Fan with up to 25H of Working Time, Hands-Free Hanging Neck Fan, Wearable Belt Fan for Camping, Outdoor, Jobsite

(1,636)
$19.98
FREE delivery Thu, Jul 3 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon
40K+ bought in past month