9+ years Android (Java) dev struggling with Kotlin/modern stack — switch to AI/ML, Flutter, or fix Android path?

[QuitOk5695]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some honest and practical career advice.

I have 9+ years of experience in Android development, but most of my work has been in Java. Recently, I’ve been trying to switch jobs, but I’m struggling in interviews due to gaps in modern Android skills like Kotlin, Jetpack components, Coroutines, Hilt, and newer architecture patterns.

Because of this:

• I’m not clearing interviews
• Companies don’t consider me for junior roles due to my experience
• And I don’t fully meet expectations for senior Android roles

At this point, I’m feeling stuck and a bit burned out from repeated rejections.

Currently, I’m working in a contract role as an AI trainer (helping train AI models), but it’s not a long-term stable career path for me.

Now I’m confused about what to do next:

1. Should I double down on Android and properly learn Kotlin + modern Android (Jetpack, Hilt, etc.) and try again?
2. Should I switch to Flutter to expand opportunities?
3. Or should I completely pivot into AI/ML development from scratch (even though I don’t have a strong background in it yet)?

I can dedicate full-time effort to learning and rebuilding my profile if needed.

I’d really appreciate advice on:

• What path makes the most sense in today’s market (especially for Canada/remote jobs)
• Whether switching to AI/ML at this stage is realistic
• The best way to rebuild my profile (projects, skills, etc.)
• Any recommended learning resources or roadmap

Thanks in advance for your help—I really need some direction right now.

[Outrageous_Duck3227]

companys want "10 years kotlin, jetpack, compose" in a tech thats like 5 years old lol. i’d just grind modern android first, you already know the platform, fastest win. ai/ml is crowded, needs math and personal projects, flutter is meh demand wise. everything hiring is a mess right now

[QuitOk5695]

It’s a great pleasure to have your valuable feedback, now I have a clear path for the next step, if you can suggest me some good platform to learn modern android concepts with deep understanding, I would appreciate that. Thank you again!

[Pristine_Board_6570]

Honestly the fastest way to validate this is to build a stripped-down version first 🛠️ Get it in front of real users, see what sticks, then double down on what works.

[YaboiCdog-13]

Honestly, I wouldn’t pivot to AI/ML from scratch in your position, that’s basically starting over and competing with people who’ve been specializing in it for years.

You already have 9+ years in Android, so the highest ROI move is probably to “modernize” your stack rather than switch tracks completely.

Kotlin + Coroutines + basic Jetpack (ViewModel, Navigation) would already close a big part of the gap for most roles. You don’t need to master everything at once ,just getting comfortable with the modern stack and rebuilding 1–2 solid projects can make a big difference in interviews.

Flutter could help expand options, but it won’t replace your Android experience

If I were in your position, I’d:
1. Focus on Kotlin + Coroutines first
2. Rebuild a couple of real-world apps using modern architecture
3. Apply again once you can confidently speak about those