They tell me I don't have a real job because I just tell the computer what to do, and I don't do the thing myself (to which I can't help but respond that they're absolutely right)

Hm interesting

So they are making the distinction between regular "human brain" coding and AI-assisted coding?

Regular coding could be described as "not doing the thing yourself, but telling the computer what to do"

(FWIW I do think there is a huge difference; however I am not sure the general public has a very good idea of what "programming" is. I remember having some code up on my screen and my educated family was confused, even at the concept)

Most actions can be viewed in highly reductionist manner.

Even J.S. Bach was aware of the same concept:

> "There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself."

~ Johann Sebastian Bach