Navigating Change in the eCommerce Landscape: My Journey and Future Uncertainties

As a 30-year-old professional who has dedicated nearly half of my life to the eCommerce industry, I’m currently facing a dramatic shift that leaves me wondering about my career trajectory over the next five years. Having begun my journey at just 14, I’ve worn many hats within this field—from sales to roles such as Director of Project Management and Director of Operations. Currently, I serve as the Director of Partnerships at my agency, where I’ve been deeply involved in web development, design initiatives, and large-scale marketing strategies.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work on projects ranging from $20,000 to over $1 million, encompassing strategic objectives in areas like Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), user interface and experience (UI/UX) design, and upselling tactics. However, recent advancements in artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the landscape of eCommerce faster than I ever expected.

A striking example comes from one of my former workplaces, an agency renowned for its SEO expertise. Just a few years ago, they had a robust team of 25 copywriters. In recent discussions with a friend still employed there, I discovered that the writing team has been streamlined down to merely four. They now generate an impressive $20,000 more in billable hours per month compared to my time with them. The ability of AI to create content has opened the door to replacing numerous junior writers, allowing lead writers to focus on enhancing prompts to ensure they pass copyright checks.

Similarly, another agency I know has opted to replace its entire U.S. development team with professionals from LATAM, who now leverage tools like ChatGPT for handling most communications via platforms like Jira and Slack.

While I am not suggesting that the eCommerce industry is on the brink of collapse, the pace of change is undeniable. AI technologies are capable of transforming design files from Figma into functioning websites almost instantaneously. I have observed AI generating precise code meant for upsell implementations without any development assistance. Furthermore, the gradual rise of AI-enabled search and prompt-based methodologies continues to reshape traditional SEO practices.

With these transformative developments in mind, I find myself pondering a multitude of questions about the future of my industry. To prepare, I am pursuing my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and contemplating a transition back into a Head of Project Management or Senior Project Management position in an entirely different sector. The uncertainty of where I will eventually land is