Chapter 1: The Rise of AI in the Workplace

Recently, a friend from Twitter mentioned that an AI tool was introduced to her company’s content team. They were curious to see if the software could enhance productivity. However, just last week, the individual who championed the AI was let go. It turned out that employing the AI at $29 a month was far more economical than retaining a seasoned copywriter. This raises the question: Are bots truly capable of taking over the work of content creators?

While I believe that artificial intelligence cannot replicate human creativity, I suspect that it will take companies quite a while to grasp this reality. The businesses that are opting to replace human workers with machines will likely learn this lesson through difficult experiences. AI merely rehashes existing information and lacks the ability to generate original content. Moreover, it has a reputation for self-plagiarism, something I have witnessed firsthand.

Companies often overlook the fact that regular individuals have access to AI technologies just like they do. They seem to think, “I can easily substitute my copywriters with bots and churn out mediocre articles as long as they contain the right keywords. It’s free SEO!” What these businesses fail to recognize is that search engine optimization (SEO) will also suffer in the long run. In the coming years, manual search engines may become increasingly irrelevant, just like generic AI-generated content stuffed with keywords.

The firms that continue to foster genuine relationships with their clients through high-quality content will be the ones to succeed.

In the video "Should you go to college in the age of AI?", experts discuss whether pursuing higher education is still valuable in a world dominated by artificial intelligence.

Chapter 2: The Shift in Client Work

Does this signal an end to my nomadic lifestyle? Not if I can help it!

I first noticed a decline in client assignments last year. Although my queues were usually full, I found myself with fewer projects. As a preferred writer for many clients, they typically reserve work for me, even holding assignments during my vacations. However, upon arriving in Spain, I realized that even those reserved jobs were diminishing. After just two days, I called my mom, sensing that something was amiss. The following week, a client confirmed my worries: they were receiving fewer requests, attributing this to the rise of AI.

Meanwhile, my father attended a presentation at Rice University where he witnessed AI technology creating products and marketing materials. When he returned to Atlanta, he shared his concerns about my job security, acknowledging the impressive capabilities of AI.

Fortunately, I recognized this trend early on. While the situation has become more challenging, I was prepared. I had already reduced my debt and enrolled in online courses to explore new fields of study.

In the TED talk "Returning to School Mid-Career? Here's What You Need To Know", Candice Neveu shares insights on navigating educational pursuits later in life.

Chapter 3: Adapting to Change

Writers like myself will continue to find work and manage our expenses, but we increasingly have to accept projects we would have previously turned down. We entered this industry to express our creativity, yet the assignments remaining for us are often those that AI cannot handle—primarily due to its propensity to fabricate information when uncertain.

As a result, companies are hesitant to allow AI to produce content in specialized fields like technology, finance, and law—areas where I have developed expertise. However, I fear the day may come when AI advances to the point where it can take on those roles as well.

It’s crucial for individuals to support the creatives they admire, including writers like myself. Without such support, we may find ourselves unable to compete with the bots generating content en masse. This issue extends beyond writers; many creatives—including musicians, actors, models, and photographers—are experiencing anxiety as they see their careers jeopardized.

While I don’t view AI as the enemy, I acknowledge its potential to assist creatives, particularly in brainstorming or drafting initial concepts. It can help independent creators outsource certain tasks, like designing book covers. The real concern lies in companies repeatedly showing that human creativity is undervalued. Automation was initially intended to handle dangerous or undesirable jobs, with assurances that it would never replace human intellect—only enhance it. Yet, it seems we are witnessing the opposite.

Interestingly, tech CEOs are now eager to slow down AI development, likely fearing for their own job security. Reports suggest that AI can outperform many of these executives in decision-making. For instance, the company NetDragon Websoft saw a 10% increase in valuation after appointing an AI as its CEO.

Chapter 4: A New Path Ahead

So, what am I studying, and what career path am I considering? I hold an associate’s degree in humanities and a bachelor’s in business management. An MBA was appealing, and I briefly contemplated a career in financial advising. However, after a quick look at managerial accounting, I decided that wasn’t the route for me. If I do pursue financial advising, I will only seek certifications.

I explored education degrees, but the pay for teachers is often less than what I currently earn. Why invest in a master's degree only to earn less and face the risks of a classroom environment? Even teaching online carries uncertainties, and the thought of facing violence in schools is unappealing.

I also considered psychology, which is another passion of mine, but the six-year commitment for a part-time master’s program felt like too long in today’s fast-paced world. I need to pivot quickly, ideally within the next two years.

In an age where instant gratification is essential, technology appears to be the logical choice. Hence, I find myself—a former art student—learning to code in Python instead of analyzing the symbolism of Shakespeare’s witches.

Ultimately, I intend to remain a nomad as long as possible and continue writing about the topics I love. By supplementing my writing with a foot in the tech world, I hope to avoid taking on undesirable projects in either field.

Chapter 5: Choosing the Right University

What university am I attending? I have contacted multiple institutions, primarily in New Mexico. As a resident, I might be eligible for the state’s free tuition program, although that doesn’t extend to graduate degrees. Regardless, New Mexico offers some of the lowest tuition rates.

Ultimately, I decided on a tuition-free online university located in California. While there are some assessment fees, they are minimal compared to other options. The total expected cost for my master’s in technology is under $3,700.

For my newsletter subscribers, I will share more details about my chosen university next week, addressing common questions I had when I discovered it and explaining my reasons for selecting it over traditional universities.

P.S. Now that I'm back in school, I’ll be resuming posts on COLLEGE MATE soon.