What To Do Now

If you have been listening to the news, especially business news, you've probably seen or heard news articles lately where large companies are having massive layoffs. And while there was a recent study that said AI is not causing any job losses, it sure as heck is not causing increases in overall employment.

I'm working with AI a lot these days, and while I may not see AI outright replacing workers much yet. One thing I do see, with my own eyes, is it reducing the number of new hires as the tasks that these entry-level workers used to do is now done perfectly well with AI agents or other automated technology.

It's easy to see the record profits that many of these large companies are able to extract now that they don't need as high of a headcount.

So, if you are just starting your career and considering what to do for school, what skills to learn and things like that, you'd be right to be pretty confused on what path to take in your career choice.

With no further ado, this is my recommendation. To all those in high school or just starting college, this is what I would recommend.

Instead of college (where degrees are becoming less valuable by the minute, especially when you consider the cost involved) go to a trade school or join an apprenticeship. You will likely be able to earn while you learn instead of burning cash to pay for an "education" AND get to skip the crazy leftist indoctrination happening at most "higher learning" institutions these days.

Think of it as you want to be in an area that requires hearts or hands (or both!). This could be electrical or plumbing (both of which we need a TON of for AI to fully build out), welding or machinists. Sales, nursing, teaching and child care are all likely careers that are resistant to AI disruption.

The great part about these types of careers is you can spend a few years learning the trade and then transition into owning a business of your own. Likely with an inside track to purchase one of these very successful small businesses from one of the thousands of small business owners that are retiring every day in America right now.

No matter what you are doing, find some way to become a creator and build an audience. This will be very valuable in the future. If you want to trade stock, then start a stock trading Youtube channel. If you're a welder or a mechanic, do the same. You can also build this around your hobbies. Anything you do on a regular basis.

I haven't been able to justify the expense yet but I've considered buying a 360 camera just to record my bike rides to and from work and posting them to Youtube. Just the other day as I rode home at dusk (time change is a killer) I was riding down into a little gully. It was quite dark and as I coasted down the hill at about 25 miles an hour I saw a large shape ahead and quickly hit the brakes. It turned out to be a large buck deer (I'm not a hunter so I have no idea how many points it had but it had a good sized rack) with a doe right in front of it.

I startled both of them and the doe quickly ducked under the bottom rung of the 3 rung white vinyl fence on the yard next to the road. The buck started to duck under, realized he was just going to get clotheslined by his antlers, lifted his head back up and looked at me dead in the eyes and said (via mind meld), "Women!"

I so wish I had ponied up for that camera!

You really need to read this article by Anthony Batt on becoming a creator. Having an audience that trusts you will be like having an immunity amulet on Survivor. Here is my favorite quote from that article.

The video below is a bit too long (imho) but it's a great example of what happens when you become a creator and start putting content or product out there. It's why I'm posting this today. I'm trying to follow my own advice even at 49 years old!

If you want a little inspiration on the creator side, I work with a company that sells security cameras. Their main sales channel right now is TikTok shops. On TikTok you can make promo videos as an affiliate and their top affiliate was paid out over $70,000 (that is not a typo) last month! And that is from a SINGLE company that he promotes. (I know, I'm thinking the same thing! What am I doing here?? haha)

DM me and I'll send you his top video. He doesn't have a crazy number of followers or anything. He just appears to be consistent in creating videos and posting them.

I wish you only the best in whatever you choose to do for a career. And hope that someday you too can say what a man said to me when, after admiring his very nice house and car while working as a door to door salesman I asked what he did for a living, and he simply said "I manage my investments."