Outdated Tech Stacks Driving Talented Developers Away

In today's fast-paced tech landscape, holding onto archaic systems is more than just an inconvenience; it's pushing top talent out of the industry in droves.

The Embarrassment Factor

Developers are increasingly tying their identity to the technologies they use, and when those technologies fall flat, so does their morale. A startling survey from Storyblok reveals that a whopping 58% of senior developers at medium to large companies are contemplating quitting due to 'inadequate and embarrassing' legacy tech stacks.

Legacy Systems: A Major Turnoff

The survey reveals that a staggering 86% of developers feel embarrassed about their tech stack. Nearly a quarter of respondents cite legacy systems as their primary frustration. It’s clear: technical debt and outdated frameworks significantly dampen enthusiasm and productivity.

Personal Connection to Tech

Developers don’t just work with technology; they live it. About 74% believe that their tech stack has a 'significant' impact on their professional identity, while nearly 20% say it 'defines' who they are. Hence, it’s no surprise that 73% know at least one colleague who has left because of the outdated technology.

Identifying the Pain Points

When asked about their biggest frustrations, over half (51%) pointed to a lack of core functionality in their tech stack, with maintenance issues (47%) and compatibility concerns with modern tech like AI (31%) trailing closely behind. Shockingly, only 14% reported feeling no embarrassment regarding their tech.

Content Management Systems Holding Developers Back

The struggle doesn't stop with general tech stacks; outdated content management systems (CMS) are cited as significant roadblocks. An overwhelming 67.5% of developers believe their current CMS stifles their creativity and effectiveness, with nearly half describing it as a 'constant' hurdle.

A Wake-Up Call for Employers

To retain valuable developers, employers are faced with a dilemma: raise salaries or modernize tech. The survey indicates that 92% of developers would require at least a 10% pay hike to stay in their roles under current conditions, and a staggering 15% would need more than a 25% raise.

Alexander Feiglstorfer, CTO and Co-Founder of Storyblok, emphasizes the need for systemic change over temporary fixes: Outdated tech stacks are making your developers unhappy to the point of quitting. Pay raises are a short-term fix... if you want to bring joy back into your development team, you need to commit to a modernization roadmap.

Is Your Company Next in Line to Lose Talent?

As the industry evolves, staying tethered to legacy systems could cost employers their most skilled professionals. The clock is ticking—will companies adapt, or will they continue to lose talent to the embarrassment of their outdated tech?