AI Revolution: How Automation Took Over My Dad’s Job
For over a decade, my father has been my go-to editor on Financial Samurai. When he’s not available, my wife steps in to fill the role. This collaboration has enabled me to maintain a consistent schedule of three high-quality posts per week.
Typically, I spend between 1.5 to 3 hours crafting a post, which is then followed by 1 to 1.5 hours of editing by my father. After that, I dedicate an additional 30 minutes to adding links, images, and promoting the post on social media. Putting it all together, each post can take up to five hours to produce, despite being a quick read for the audience.
It’s no surprise that sustaining an online presence is a challenge. Not only is creating content labor-intensive, but there’s also the expectation of providing it for free. When sponsorship deals are scarce, the natural inclination is to give up.
Thankfully, I find joy in the writing process, dedicating roughly 10 hours weekly to it. However, the landscape changed in 2022 with the mainstream adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) through OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Initially dismissive, I later realized the potency of AI in content creation and editing.
By early 2024, I had integrated ChatGPT into my workflow, utilizing it for grammar checks and enhancing the clarity of my writing. This not only expedited my writing process but also reduced my father’s workload by almost five hours a week. In essence, AI had replaced my father as the editor.
My Dad’s Surprising Reaction to AI Taking Over
Curious about my father’s thoughts on this shift, I inquired how he felt about no longer editing my posts. To my amazement, he expressed contentment and relief. While he occasionally critiqued my verbosity in the past, he didn’t anticipate feeling relieved to be free from editing duties.
Despite the minimal compensation for his editing services, he appreciated the arrangement I had made, which involved granting him access to Uber Eats on my dime. This gesture, initiated during the pandemic to support their safety, allowed him and my mother to enjoy their favorite meals while offloading his editorial work.
Though he had relinquished his editing role, he remained a beneficiary of the Financial Samurai meal plan, a small token of gratitude for aiding me over the years without financial compensation.
The Emptiness of AI Replacing Human Connection
While AI enhanced productivity, it inadvertently affected the bond I shared with my father. Our editing routine had served as a means to forge a deeper connection through candid feedback and discussions. However, with AI now handling the editing, our interactions diminished significantly.
While I still engage with him weekly, our conversations lack the depth and frequency they once had. This underscores the unintended consequence of AI replacing my father’s role in our collaboration.
As I envisioned Financial Samurai as a platform for my parents to track my endeavors, the unintended consequences of AI highlight the importance of human connection amid technological advancements.
Embracing AI for Enhanced Productivity
As AI continues to evolve and disrupt various industries, it’s imperative to adapt and leverage its capabilities for improved efficiency. By embracing tools like ChatGPT, businesses can streamline tasks and boost productivity.
My investment in AI companies underscores my confidence in the technology’s transformative potential. By integrating AI into our workflows, we can optimize processes and focus on creative endeavors that enrich our lives.
The Future of AI and Personal Development
As AI becomes more ingrained in our daily lives, it’s essential to balance its benefits with the preservation of human connections and personal growth. While AI can enhance efficiency, it should complement rather than replace the human touch in our interactions.
By harnessing AI for productivity gains and creative pursuits, we can unlock new opportunities for personal and professional development. As we navigate the AI revolution, let’s strive to maintain a harmonious blend of technology and human connection.
Your Turn: Embracing AI in Your Work
Has AI impacted your role or workflow? How are you integrating AI to enhance productivity and creativity in your endeavors? Share your experiences and insights on leveraging AI for personal and professional growth.
If you’re considering investing in AI companies, explore options like the Fundrise venture capital product, which focuses on sectors like artificial intelligence and machine learning. With AI shaping the future landscape, investing in this transformative technology may offer significant returns.