What to Do if AI Takes Your Job

Many of my former colleagues recently lost their jobs.

If you are one of those affected, my heart goes out to you.

I don’t know all the details, but my understanding is this may have been AI related.

Either way, I do believe that AI related job loss is already here, and that the pace is accelerating.  

This isn't just another article telling you "everything will be fine."

If you understand what’s happening and how to deal with it, then I believe that everything will be more than fine.

And if you don’t, I believe you are in trouble.

So in addition to condolences, I am going to share what I would do if I were in this situation.

Disclaimer: This may or may not apply to your situation, so do your own research and do whatever is best for you.

With that out of the way, lets dig in.

Step 1: Assess my financial situation

First, I would get crystal clear on my financial situation.

Calculate the essentials:

• Monthly must-pay expenses
• Healthcare costs (check COBRA if needed)
• Available savings and income sources (example: unemployment filing, spouse’s salary)

This gives me two critical numbers:

1. Monthly survival costs
2. How long I can survive on other income and/or savings

Ideally I want to have 3 to 6 months to find my next job.

However, many people are likely in immediate need of new income. 

Step 2: Figure out how to cover any gap.

If I have enough savings or income to cover 3-6 months of expenses, I can skip to step 3.

If not, here's what I'd do, in this order:

• Cut all unnecessary expenses (be ruthless here)
• Sell non-essential assets (do we really need that second car?)
• Find immediate temporary income (Uber, deliveries, renting room on AirBnB, other gig work)

The goal here is not to land my dream job.

It’s to buy time to make better long-term decisions.

Step 3: Define My Dream Job

When one door closes, often many others open.

But you have to be able to see them.

And that means getting clear on what you really want.

This starts with three questions:

• What do I love doing?
• What do I hate doing?
• What value can I bring to others doing things I love doing?

Don't worry about what's practical yet. 

Don't worry about the money yet. 

Just focus on the dream.

Why? 

You may not be able to have your dream job.

But if you don’t define what it is, you definitely won’t. 

Step 4: Get Clear On Your Number

This is the minimum annual income you need to:

• Cover your essential expenses
• Support your family
• Build some savings

Be realistic here.

• Too high: You’ll chase money you don't need
• Too low: You’ll create unnecessary stress

Write this number down.

Step 5: Choose Your Lane 

AI is splitting work into two lanes:

1. Work that can be done on a computer
2. Work that cannot be done on a computer. 

Here's what you need to understand:

If a significant part of your work day is spent on a computer, the work you do is going to be done by either:

1. The AI itself.
2. Someone using AI to do what used to take a day, in an hour. 

Does your dream job involve spending time in front of a computer? 

Then you don’t have a choice. 

You have to get good at using AI to increase both the quantity and the quality of your work. 

The good news is if you get started now, you’re early to the party.

There are tons of free resources on Youtube and elsewhere to help you get up and running (AI can help you too). 

And you can make a lot of money by increasing both the quantity and the quality of your work with AI.

If content is your thing, more on this here. 

If your lane is work that cannot be done on a computer, then I think you’re in luck.

AI will make work that can be done on a computer abundant. 

And that means value will flow to work that cannot be done on a computer. 

We have already seen this in recent years with the trades.

One of the richest guys I know is a plumber.

I believe that the trades will continue to accrue more value.

And AI means this dynamic will apply to many other areas as well. 

Step 6: Does My Lane Fit My Number?

If your lane is computer work:

• Are you willing to put in the work to learn AI? 
• Do you have time to build these skills? (A few weeks of dedicated work is all that is needed)
• Are there jobs paying your number?
• Will you need bridge income while transitioning?

If your lane is non-computer work:

• Does this field currently pay your number?
• If not, can you start with bridge work in this field?
• Are there higher-paying specialties in your chosen area?

Be honest with yourself. 

If the numbers don't work, you have three options:

1. Reduce your number
2. Change your lane 
3. Find bridge work while building towards your goal

Just don’t ignore the mismatch.

Step 7: Be laser targeted with your job search.

Your dream job isn’t likely to fall in your lap.

If you want it, you’re going to have to put the work in to get it.

Now that you have defined exactly what you are looking for, be laser targeted in your search. 

Don't blast your resume everywhere. 

Don't apply to every job that "might work." 

Instead:

• Make a short list of dream employers 
• Research their exact needs 
• Proactively reach out and show them precisely how you fill those needs 
• Demonstrate how much you know about the company and their industry

Being laser focused in your job search will save you tons of time.

Time you can put into really standing out to your dream employer. 

Wishing you the best.

Dave