Back in 2020–2022, my most productive days were spent doing raw coding. No generative AI, just me, Google, and countless Stack Overflow tabs. Every bug was a struggle, but every solution felt earned. It was tiring but also deeply rewarding.

Now, with AI, things are faster. Deadlines are more manageable. But honestly, sometimes it feels less fulfilling. I catch myself relying on AI too much, and the "joy of figuring things out" isn’t always there anymore.

But here’s what I’ve realized: AI didn’t kill my passion, it just changed it. The fun isn’t always in writing every single line anymore. It’s in designing systems, solving bigger problems, and using AI as a tool to get there. And that’s the point, AI is only as helpful as how we choose to use it. If we let it replace the craft entirely, we lose something. But if we use it to enhance our work, it can make us better, faster, and even open space for creativity.

Balance is key. AI is here to stay, but our passion for coding doesn’t have to fade, it just needs to evolve.