044. How to Stay Ahead as AI Threatens Your Job

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one..” —William Shakespeare?

Welcome to The Unconventional Founder, where we dive deep into the unpolished, real, and often wild journey of building a startup from scratch. Forget the glossy stories of Ivy League diplomas and cushy Wall Street gigs – my story is about grit, hustle, and the occasional hip-hop playlist to keep the energy high.

It’s no secret that AI is coming for a lot of jobs. We're living in a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a futuristic buzzword, but a real disruptor reshaping the very nature of work. If you’re in a role like customer service, administrative support, data entry, or even content creation, you’ve probably seen the headlines—AI can automate what you do. In fact, many analysts predict that 20-40% of today’s jobs will be transformed or made redundant by AI in the next decade.

But here's the kicker: this isn’t a reason to panic. It's a reason to pivot.

I know, I know—easy for me to say, right? But if we can take a page from the 90s playbook, it's that we’ve always had to adapt. Remember when the internet itself was a strange, uncharted territory? AOL chatrooms, dial-up tones, and that sense of mystery about where technology was heading? Fast forward 20 years, and here we are—tech is an extension of our lives, whether we like it or not.

So, what’s trending in the future of work for non-technical folks?

1. Soft Skills Dominate: The irony here is that as machines get smarter, it’s the most human aspects of us that become more valuable. Communication, leadership, emotional intelligence—these aren’t skills a machine can master (yet). Employers are actively looking for people who can manage, negotiate, and collaborate in an increasingly complex environment.
2. The Rise of the Hyper-Generalist: You’ve heard of the term “jack-of-all-trades,” right? Well, meet its cool older cousin: the hyper-generalist. A hyper-generalist is someone who has multiple, seemingly unrelated skill sets but can adapt and apply them in diverse situations. In a world where problems are rarely linear, startups and even corporations value people who can jump from project management to marketing to strategic planning, all in one workweek. Sounds chaotic? Well, it can be—but that’s where the magic happens.
3. Gig Economy on Steroids: Freelancing, consulting, or being a solopreneur is no longer a side hustle—it’s becoming the main hustle. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and remote job boards are seeing unprecedented growth. Why? Flexibility. As companies become leaner and more project-oriented, they prefer bringing in experts for a sprint, not a marathon.

How to Stay Ahead

Now that we’ve framed the landscape, let’s get real about how you can navigate these changes. Here are some actionable steps to future-proof your career—no coding bootcamps required.

1. Leverage Your Transferable Skills: You already have a goldmine of experience. Whether it’s managing teams, being a customer service ace, or handling client relationships, these are all transferable. Start reframing your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight these abilities. Instead of “Administrative Assistant,” how about “Operations Specialist” or “Project Coordinator”? Language matters—sell your strengths in a way that aligns with the future of work.
2. Get Curious, Not Coder-y: You don’t need to become a software engineer, but having a basic understanding of how tech works is crucial. Consider taking an intro course on AI, digital tools, or even data analysis. You don’t have to go deep, just enough to know what’s happening and how it can intersect with your work. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer bite-sized lessons that don’t require a degree.
3. Become a Problem Solver: Companies are looking for people who can solve their problems. It’s that simple. Ask yourself: what problems do I solve? Maybe it’s streamlining workflows, improving customer experiences, or ensuring that projects stay on track. Once you figure this out, learn how to pitch that value to potential employers or clients.
4. Network Like Your Career Depends on It: Because it does. Don’t just rely on job postings—tap into your network. Get active on LinkedIn (no, really active) and start connecting with people in industries that interest you. Attend virtual webinars or even in-person meetups where people from tech and other innovative spaces are hanging out.

Moreover, if you’re someone who can do a bit of everything—write a killer proposal, manage a project, and whip up a presentation—congratulations, you’re a corporate Swiss Army knife. The startup world thrives on this kind of versatility. While deep specialists still have their place, startups (and even larger companies now) crave flexibility. When you can adapt to various roles or tasks, you become indispensable.

One hack? Start documenting your wins in a variety of fields. Show how you’ve juggled marketing with operations, or client management with product design. It’s about connecting the dots for potential employers or clients to show them your value across multiple domains.

Embrace the Change

The future of work might feel uncertain, but here’s the truth: the skills you already have—your adaptability, people skills, and diverse experience—are more valuable than you think. The goal now is to repackage that value, step out of the comfort zone, and embrace new opportunities. Like those Saturday mornings spent watching “Doug” tackle life one awkward situation at a time, you too can figure this out. It’s just another chapter in the wild ride.

Stay tuned, stay inspired, and let's rewrite the startup playbook together. Subscribe now and join the journey. #TheTakeover