I used to be a typical full-stack SWE but I specialized in AI about 8 years ago, even getting a PhD. I would be making significantly less being a generalist. Th

I used to be a typical full-stack SWE but I specialized in AI about 8 years ago, even getting a PhD. I would be making significantly less being a generalist. That's not just true for AI, but the same for fields like security, systems engineering, databases, and so on. The highest paid technical positions are typically looking for specialists. An exception are early-stage startups. Those often need generalists, but that's a slightly different tradeoff since you're paid in equity, not cash. You don't care about promotions in an early-stage startup. If you love AI, go for it, but from purely a career perspective it's probably not something I'd recommend. The market seems so oversaturated these days since everyone and their mom is interested in AI because of the hype. By the time you're done "specializing" the market will look very different. Again, not a problem if you're truly passionate about it, but don't do it just for career opportunities.