Public Relations Jobs: Are They Contracting, the Way Journalism Ones Have?

A former brandname in the public relations agency sector announced on LinkedIn that they are now licensed to sell financial products. Yes, they are over-50.

Will this kind of career shift become common in public relations, the way it has been in journalism? On professional anonymous network Fishbowl PR and Communications there is this observation:

"PR jobs are following the trends in journalism jobs from 10 years ago - massive cuts hitting hardest on older/more experienced workers. There simply aren’t enough chairs left for everyone and it’s only going to get worse." 

More and more of the standard tasks in PR - in contrast to the high-value strategy ones - can be assigned to the growing number of Generative AI tools. 

Of course, small businesses have access to those same tools and can approach their promotional needs DIY. They will have to learn new tricks, such as the transition from SEO (search engine optimization) to Answer Engine Optimization. That includes understanding how to get content integrated into AI bots such as ChatGPT. Necessity motivates and that necessity is widespread in these precarious economic times.

In my coaching I bear witness to the success of the over-50 in career change through the approach of finding a gap and then launching an enterprise to fill that gap. Not that they're intending to build an empire like Meta. Just enough to remain financially solvent. 

One former client who was pushed out of middle management in pharma picked up that the aging in their area needed basic handyman services. To get known they gave out "free samples" such as mowing the lawn. Referrals came in fast.

Tip from The Coach: Don't wait to lose your source of income. Be proactive. By time your sector contracts there'll be a glut of those with similar skills chasing fewer and fewer opportunities.

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. There’s no risk.


 

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