Ask HN: Where are the sane-paying tech jobs?

Until about 3 years ago, non-FAANG companies were begging for developers. As someone who never got into this for the money (feed and raise a family, sure. but the work is ultimately fun), the opportunities were plenty.

Then things took a downturn and now we have AI.

However, Claude code and AI doesn't solve the domain-knowledge problems and troubleshooting problems.

So what's really driving the fear of hiring by businesses? Is it the state of the real economy?