If the mechanics of the work are “soul-crushing,” isn’t that the root cause, and the LLM is just a bandaid? I’m not saying every professional dev is enthused with all their tasks. But if you’re so eager to avoid parts of the job (however rote they are), then maybe it’s time for something new?

I can’t write this without feeling preachy, and I apologize for that. But I keep reading a profound lack of agency in comments like these.

It’s a necessary part of the job.

Like no mechanic gets pleasure from an oil change or tire rotation. They’d rather figure out an issue with an old V8

But they do it because that’s a part of the job.