Facing Obsolescence: How Rapid Industry Changes Leave Me Unsure About My Future in 5 Years

Navigating Change: The Future of eCommerce in the Age of AI

As I reflect on my decade-long career in eCommerce, a sense of uncertainty looms larger than ever before. At 30 years old, I’ve dedicated my professional life to this industry, starting my journey at just 14. Having climbed the ranks since 2015—from sales to my current position as Director of Partnerships—I’ve experienced a myriad of roles, including Director of Project Management and Operations. My expertise lies primarily in overseeing web development projects and orchestrating large-scale SEO and eCommerce marketing campaigns, often working with budgets ranging from $20,000 to over $1 million.

However, the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence is poised to reshape the landscape in ways I never anticipated. A recent conversation with a former colleague shed light on some startling changes at the agency I once called home. Just a few years ago, they employed 25 copywriters in their SEO department; today, that number has plummeted to a mere four. Remarkably, they are now generating $20,000 more in monthly billable hours. The shift? Many tasks that were previously handled by junior writers are now managed by AI, with lead writers only stepping in to refine prompts and ensure compliance with copyright standards.

Even more alarming, I’ve observed a similar trend at another agency, where the entire U.S. development team was let go and replaced by developers from Latin America who utilize AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline communication via platforms such as Jira and Slack.

While I am not predicting an imminent collapse of the industry, the impacts of AI are undeniable and profound. We are witnessing the emergence of tools that can construct websites from Figma designs or even basic sketches. I’ve seen AI generate precise code for implementing upsells without the need for developer intervention. Moreover, Google’s AI and prompt-based search are gradually eclipsing traditional SEO practices, further underscoring the sense that we are on the brink of a seismic shift.

In light of these developments, I find myself grappling with questions about the future of my career. The prospect of a fully automated eCommerce industry is daunting, and I am currently pursuing my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. As I contemplate a potential transition back to a Head of Project Management or Senior PM role, I am also considering industries beyond my current expertise. The landscape is shifting beneath my feet, and I am eager to adapt, even if the path forward is still unclear.

As I navigate these