# From Skepticism to Overreliance, My Journey With AI (And How to Thrive as a Coder)

> Source: <https://dev.to/canro91/from-skepticism-to-overreliance-my-journey-with-ai-and-how-to-thrive-as-a-coder-2iah>
> Published: 2026-09-21 05:00:00+00:00

In early 2023, a coworker tried that new thing called ChatGPT.

He shared his excitement.

I wasn't that impressed.

Months later, after all the buzz, I searched that *Chat thing*.

Every time I tried, I couldn't access it.

It was a public beta or something.

Too many people.

Then, I learned from [Brent Ozar](https://canro91.github.io/2025/02/02/LessonsFromBrentOzar) to keep a browser tab with ChatGPT open as a junior assistant.

*Mmm, there's something there...*

In early 2024, [Devin was released](https://canro91.github.io/2024/04/29/2034Predictions).

"The sky is falling" all over the headlines.

I didn't buy it.

Early 2025, I decided to try AI with a fresh mind.

After using Copilot for weeks, *"OMG! This thing is dangerous."*

One day I realized I couldn't finish a simple task alone.

The tool worked, but [I was becoming so dependent](https://canro91.github.io/2025/07/13/TheProblemWithAI).

An AI detox season followed.

*No more AI until you eat your vegetables and do your homework.*

Then I made [some](https://canro91.github.io/2025/10/14/AIRule) [rules](https://canro91.github.io/2026/01/26/AnotherAIRule) to use AI without losing my skills.

Like any other tool, AI is a game changer with the right skills.

Otherwise, [it's like a fancy calculator](https://canro91.github.io/2025/11/27/HowToThinkOfAI) in a math exam you didn't study for.

To thrive in the AI era, [build real skills, then leverage AI](https://canro91.github.io/2026/02/12/RealSkills).

This is the way!

*To help you build AI-proof skills, I wrote **[Street-Smart Coding](https://imcsarag.gumroad.com/l/streetsmartcoding/?utm_source=devto&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=skepticism-overreliance-my-journey-ai)**. The guide I wish I had on my journey from junior to senior.*