Less than two years ago, “prompt engineer” was the hottest job in tech, commanding $200,000 salaries1. Today? The Wall Street Journal declares it “already obsolete.”1 This isn’t just another tech trend – it’s a fundamental shift in how careers evolve in the AI economy.
In times of rapid technological change, experience becomes a superpower. Those who’ve navigated previous waves of disruption bring something invaluable to this moment: digital leadership skills honed through perspective and judgment. They’ve seen firsthand how technology transforms workplaces, and understand that successful change isn’t just about the tools – it’s about the people who use them. While headlines might spark panic about AI replacing jobs, veterans of previous tech transitions recognize that this shift more closely mirrors the fundamental changes of the internet revolution than the incremental evolution of social media.
Your experience tells you something crucial: what matters isn’t mastering every new tool, but understanding how work actually gets done in organizations. This hard-earned judgment – knowing what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, why – is what sets you apart. You know that lasting value comes from solving persistent problems, not chasing every trending solution.
But how do you apply this wisdom in a landscape moving faster than ever?
Start where you are. Take inventory of your current work – those hundred daily tasks that keep your department running. Which ones cause the most friction? Your judgment here is critical – you can distinguish between genuine opportunities and fleeting trends. These pain points are your opportunities. They’re where AI can amplify your expertise rather than replace it.
Test the waters in familiar territory. If you’ve spent years in your role, you’re an expert. Use this expertise to evaluate AI tools critically. Try different language models on tasks you know inside and out. Your judgment here matters more than technical skills.
Bring your “baggage” – that deep understanding of your field that no AI can match. Remember: while technical skills might expire quickly, domain knowledge holds its value. Your “non-technical” background might be exactly what makes you invaluable in guiding AI implementation.
The 18-month career doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s an invitation to rediscover what drew you to technology in the first place: the creativity and joy of solving problems in new ways. Your experience navigating previous tech waves has prepared you for this moment. You know how to balance enthusiasm with pragmatism, how to lead change without disrupting what works.
The future belongs to those who can bridge the gap between human needs and AI capabilities. With your perspective and adaptability, you’re perfectly positioned to thrive in this new landscape. The question isn’t whether you can keep up – it’s how you’ll help shape what comes next.
The 18-month career isn’t a threat. With a repivot mindset, it becomes your opportunity to lead the way forward.
1 Parrott, Katie. “The 18-Month Career Is Here.“ Every.to, Working Overtime, 2025, every.to/working-overtime/the-18-month-career-is-here.