tsunAmI

My last post was about Blues@50. One reader pointed out that the conclusions apply to younger people also. That set me thinking. And I came to the conclusion that something that is happening now – can give Blues@25.

Forty years ago, I made a career switch. From a respected, steady corporate job to a computer publishing startup.? This was in 1985. Startups were not the fashion as they are now. And computers were a new thing. Maybe 5000 were sold in that year in India. So editing and publishing a computer magazine sounded a bit foolish to many. And sometimes to me also.

One of the first editorial pieces I wrote (June 1985) was about learning to navigate the evolving world of computers. Not that I knew much. It was all so new. But it was good to first learn myself and then propagate. Four decades later just substitute AI for computers and the rest of the message is the same. Of course, in the intervening years many waves of technology have come. But this one is a tsunami. Because technology is completely interwoven into the work and life fabric now.? ?This one is going to impact just about everyone. It may feel like black magic but make no mistake – it is very real.

Here is a picture of that editorial.

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There are the usual discussions and arguments going on about technology and humans. Maybe some protests. And some pleas for protection from this great disruption. These happened with earlier tectonic technology shifts also. I don’t know all the pros and the cons. But I do know one thing. That change is inevitable. Irrevocable. And difficult.

Some jobs will be lost. Some will be redefined. Some will be created. Which bucket will you land up in? You can react when the change hits you. Or you can be proactive and ask – ?what can I do NOW to ride this tsunami and make my career better?

To future-proof your career and adapt to these changes, here are some actionable strategies.

1. Check Your Status:

·???????? Find out how your job is going to be impacted by AI. You may even start by asking an AI site which careers / industries are going to be impacted. And start keeping a sharp eye for your organisation’s plans. And keep looking because things are changing every week. I am checking how coaching as an industry is going to be impacted and how quickly. What Deepseek and Chat GPT told me is instructive.

·???????? In general job roles which are repetitive and not so complex will be the first ones to get impacted. Develop skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving. These will be impacted less. Here are some links to get more information.

·???????? https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Will-AI-replace-jobs-9-job-types-that-might-be-affected

·???????? https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2024/02/28/what-white-collar-jobs-are-safe-from-ai-and-which-professions-are-most-at-risk/

·???????? https://gaper.io/15-jobs-will-ai-replace-by-2030/

?2.Embrace Lifelong Learning

• Invest in yourself. Upskill Continuously: Learning new stuff is always important. Currently, it is non-negotiable. Stay updated with the latest trends in AI, automation, and your industry. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and others offer courses on AI, data science, and related fields. There are many others – for all needs and all pockets. Even if you're not in tech, understanding AI fundamentals (e.g., machine learning, natural language processing) will help you work alongside AI tools. If all that is too difficult, at least learn enough to see how you can use AI for your job or how your organisation will use it.

3.?Adapt to AI Tools

• Leverage AI in Your Work: Most of us will not develop AI. But most of us will end up using it. Learn to use AI-powered tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Canva AI, Deepseek or many others) to enhance productivity and efficiency. Remember - those who get on the bus first get the window seat. Familiarize yourself with emerging technologies and how they apply to your field. Keep an eye on how AI is impacting your industry and identify areas where you can add value. Join professional communities, attend conferences, and connect with people who are leading AI innovation. If you get half a chance volunteer for projects that involve AI or automation to gain hands-on experience.

I have decided to use AI for all my work (including this piece). I attended a half day free webinar about AI in Executive Coaching and felt like I had been hosed with a big pipe. I have a separate to do list of 41 points from that one afternoon. All of them will not be useful. But even 2 or 3 will bring big change for me.

4.?Cultivate a Growth Mindset

• Be Open to Change: Don’t just be open to change. Make real changes. Quickly. Accept that disruption is inevitable and focus on adapting rather than resisting. Explore new ways to integrate AI into your work or personal projects. As soon as you finish reading this!

5.?Diversify Your Skill Set

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Combine skills from different fields (e.g., tech + healthcare, design + AI) to create unique value. Many jobs will evolve rather than disappear. Focus on skills that can transition into new roles.
• Entrepreneurial Thinking: Consider how you can create new opportunities or businesses in an AI-driven world. Be ready to pivot into new roles or industries as opportunities arise.

6.?Build Your Brand

• Show Case: If you know something or learning something about AI and its impact talk about it. People need to know that you know.

7.?Build a Resilient Career

• Diversify Income Streams: Explore side hustles, freelancing, or passive income opportunities to reduce reliance on a single job.
• Invest in Personal Branding: Build a strong online presence (e.g., LinkedIn, portfolio) to showcase your skills and adaptability.

8.?Focus on Well-Being

• Manage Stress: The pace of change can be overwhelming. Prioritize mental and physical health to stay resilient.
• Stay Positive: View AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. It can augment human capabilities and create new possibilities. See if you explore some freelancing or passive income options – just in case you need some bridging.

Final Thought:

AI is a tool, not a replacement for human potential. By staying adaptable and focusing on what makes us uniquely human, you can not only survive but thrive in the age of AI.

The key is to be agile, embrace change, take some risk and use it to your advantage.