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In mid-2023, I wrote about protecting a freelance writing business in a world that has become dominated by AI. At the time, ChatGPT had been released only 8 months prior. My tips were practical: pivot your value proposition and show clients that you can bring something to the table that robots can’t.
Since then, generative AI has experienced massive shifts. Analysis of online job postings found a 30.4% decrease in writing jobs and 20.6% decrease in software development jobs between July 2021 and July 2023. In my industry, freelancers have been hit particularly hard, with many unable to find work. While generative AI is not the only reason (the economy is terrible, and budgets are right), it’s certainly a factor. Companies know that AI is cheaper and are willing to experiment.
So, where does that leave freelancers today? Back in early 20202, some businesses were entirely upended by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many had to shift, quickly and permanently. Those that didn’t may have closed permanently.
AI is a similar seismic shift, in which you have to plan and think hard about the potential impacts. While many freelancers I know have been struggling, my writing business has been doing fine: I’ve had no decrease in revenue. There are a few key things…
