Legacy Tech Stacks Drive Developers to Consider Job Changes

In a growing trend that is raising alarms among tech recruiters and company executives, a recent survey reveals that approximately 60% of senior developers are contemplating leaving their positions due to dissatisfaction with outdated legacy systems. This finding, reported by Storyblok on June 15, 2025, highlights widespread frustration in the tech industry, particularly among professionals who feel that their current technology stacks are not only inadequate but also embarrassing.

According to the survey, 58% of senior developers at medium to large companies expressed that they are seriously considering resigning due to what they describe as 'inadequate and embarrassing' legacy tech stacks. Furthermore, an overwhelming 86% of respondents indicated feelings of embarrassment regarding their existing tech systems. Among the reasons cited for this dissatisfaction, nearly a quarter of developers identified legacy systems as the primary cause of their discontent.

The implications of these findings extend beyond individual job satisfaction. Excessive technical debt, coupled with reliance on outdated libraries and frameworks, has significantly impacted developers’ morale and productivity. A staggering 74% of respondents acknowledged that their tech stack plays a 'significant' role in shaping their professional identity, while 19.5% stated it 'defined' them. These statistics underscore a troubling trend: 73% reported knowing at least one colleague who had quit within the past year due to frustrations linked to their tech stacks.

When asked to pinpoint the most pressing issues with their current systems, 51% of developers cited a lack of core functionality. Additionally, 47% mentioned maintenance challenges, while 31% expressed concerns regarding limited compatibility with modern innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Alexander Feiglstorfer, CTO and Co-Founder of Storyblok, emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues. 'Outdated tech stacks are making your developers unhappy to the point of quitting. Pay rises are a short-term fix,' he stated. 'If you want to bring joy back into your development team, you need to commit to a modernization roadmap.'

The survey also revealed that to remain in their current roles under existing tech conditions, 92% of developers would require at least a 10% pay increase, while 42% would demand a 20% raise, and 15% indicated they would expect more than a 25% increase.

The situation is compounded by challenges related to content management systems (CMS), where 67.5% of developers reported feeling hindered by their current CMS platforms. This situation is particularly concerning, as nearly half described these platforms as a 'constant' obstacle, with only 4% believing their CMS was fit for purpose.

The findings of this survey reflect broader trends within the tech industry, where the pressure to innovate is increasingly at odds with the realities of maintaining legacy systems. The disconnect between technological advancement and outdated infrastructure poses significant challenges for companies striving to retain top talent.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, organizations must prioritize the modernization of their technology stacks to foster employee satisfaction and retention. Without such systemic changes, they risk losing not only their top developers but also their competitive edge in an ever-changing market.

In conclusion, as the demand for skilled developers rises, companies must reassess their technology strategies. The need for modernization is not merely a preference but a pressing necessity to secure the future of their workforce and the sustainability of their operations.