Navigating Uncertainty in an Evolving Industry: A Personal Reflection

The landscape of my industry is on the brink of a monumental transformation, leaving me in uncharted waters regarding my career trajectory. At just 30 years old, I’ve dedicated more than half my life to the world of eCommerce—a journey that began when I was just 14. Having climbed the ranks in various capacities since 2015, I’ve held significant positions, including Director of Product Management, Director of Operations, and most recently, Director of Partnerships at my agency.

Through the years, I’ve focused predominantly on web development, design projects, and expansive marketing campaigns that leverage SEO strategies. The financial scope of the projects I’ve been involved in has ranged dramatically, from $20,000 to over $1 million, tackling strategic initiatives that cover everything from conversion rate optimization (CRO) to user interface and experience (UI/UX) planning.

However, recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the very foundations of my field at a pace I never envisioned. A prime example is one of the agencies I previously worked with, which was once bustling with 25 copywriters solely dedicated to SEO efforts. When I caught up with a former colleague, I was taken aback to learn that the team has now dwindled to just four writers. Remarkably, the agency reports a $20,000 increase in billable revenue per month compared to when I was there, largely due to the efficiency provided by AI that replaces many junior roles.

Similarly, another agency has streamlined its operations by disbanding its entire U.S. development team, opting instead for a team in Latin America that now utilizes ChatGPT for much of their communication through platforms like Jira and Slack.

While the outlook may not indicate a complete collapse of the industry, it is clear that a seismic shift is imminent. The emergence of AI tools capable of developing websites directly from Figma files or even mere sketches is redefining what’s possible. I’ve witnessed firsthand how AI can generate precise code for implementing upsells with minimal human intervention, and the transformation of traditional SEO practices into a realm dominated by AI-driven solutions is happening in real time.

Given the accelerated pace of automation, I find myself pondering the future of my professional journey over the next five years. As I embark on obtaining my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, I’m contemplating a pivot back into a leadership role in project management, potentially in an entirely different sector. While the