When OpenAI released ChatGPT in 2022, Mostofa Adib Shakib knew the world would change.
He started his career in traditional software engineering at Snap Inc. and then at ZipRecruiter, but became convinced he needed to build his AI skills.
Shakib has spent his time learning about AI from books, videos, and research papers, and has built software projects to improve agent AI proficiency, including a tool to help Bangladeshi professionals optimize their resumes.
In February 2025, he started working as an AI contractor at Mercor, and by the time of his interview with Business Insider, he was making a respectable $6,400 a week.
Shakib decided not to return to a traditional full-time job in software engineering. He said he thought focusing on building AI skills before the market became crowded was the right choice for him.
He said being a full-time employee of the company offers stability and benefits, but it also limits his time, meaning he can only focus on developing agent AI skills on the weekends. As a full-time AI contractor, he can spread his work hours however he likes, he added.
Shakib advised those who want to maintain their presence in the technology industry to embrace change rather than fear it and focus on upskilling.
Read Shakib's full statement here.
