What is a "Software Engineer" in 2026?

I've been writing web-specific code professionally since 2021 and I'm no closer to having a solid definition 5 years later. The title "Web Developer" feels like it aligns to WordPress Builders that don't write code at all. When I think of a REAL "Software Engineer", I basically picture Ed (the Low Level YouTube guy) debugging super complex problems in C.

I have this weird identity struggle that I've been dealing with ever since I started writing code. My non-traditional/bootcamp background certainly doesn't help. A fair number of the people I work with have Computer Science degrees. I don't ever feel as though I'm treated differently due to my background but I constantly wonder if I'm taken seriously.

One thing I think we can all agree upon in 2026 is that we are disposable in the eyes of almost every company or corporation. That being said, I still have this profound loyalty to wherever I'm employed. I don't know if that's conditioning from years of corporate "family" speak or if it's just my nature from watching my dad work hard all his life. Maybe I still carry this false idea of hard work paying off, of being the employee that bosses actually appreciate. Either way, I want to have a reputation of being dependable. I genuinely enjoy being the one others can turn to when they need help.

I think that's actually where my insecurity stems from. If I'm going to be the person people count on, I want the depth to back it up. I have the practical skills necessary to work frontend or backend within the context of the web. I do not have the depth of knowledge that comes along with pursuing a Computer Science degree. I have way more questions than I do answers. I also feel I'm being slightly ridiculous just due to the industry being so enormous that it would be impossible to know it all.

We all know that we stand on the shoulders of giants. It pains me to know that I'll never be able to have that level of impact. Even with knowing that, I feel I'm short-changing myself if I don't try to expand my skills as much as possible.

I'm going to try (again) to learn C. I know that I will probably never write a single line of C professionally but I do know that it will force me to grow as an "engineer".

My only fear is that AI will decimate the industry and this thing I've dedicated years to will have been for nothing but there's nothing I can do about that. My other option is to become content with mediocrity. It reminds me of that back and forth between two professionals where one says "What if I train them and then they use those new skills to leave?" The other replies, "What if you don't and they stay...?" It feels relevant here for whatever reason. My brain is creating some vague connection that I can't quite flesh out at the moment.

It's 3:51am, cut me some slack. Goodnight.

P.S. I spent this evening learning about preprocessing directives, functions, variables, statements, and more basics of C.