AI: Writing Still Counts, But Rarely as Stand-Alones, Employers Only Willing to Pay for Good-Enough

 With exceptions - there are always exceptions - the art of writing no longer provides a platform for earning a living and overall career enhancement. The exceptions range from thought leaders like Brad Karp at law firm Paul, Weiss to seasoned mystery weavers such as Stephen King.

But given trends especially the embrace of AI, that skill, which used to be drummed into youth from the early grades, is a tough sell as a stand-alone. Those young people and their parents who contact me The Intuitive Coach about "becoming a writer" I tell: Only as a tool such as for editing what AI generates or job-search materials. 

In addition, it's a great hobby, as proved out by the variety of personal-enrichment writing courses offered by a community college such as Owens in Toledo, Ohio. I have lectured at senior centers about putting together a memoir for family. Also, that mode of self-expression can provide effective therapy. I do pro-bono outreach training for those in recovery to operate blogs. 

However, here we are. The reality in capitalism is this: In general, the market is moving toward only paying for good-enough writing. That extends from reformatting AI material to putting together initial drafts. Employers and clients are not willing to pony up premium compensation for you to sit around polishing content. For what remains of that polishing hyper niche there are designated editors, agents and partners/principals in professional services who do markups.

Actually, not much of that is new. The push toward maxing the productivity of writers kicked in when America was no longer the top dog in the international trade. The first industry to get hit and hit hard was auto. 

I was there as a speechwriter/ghostwriter. We were trained to identify the best content and then leverage it by cutting and pasting so we wouldn't have to start from scratch. We also developed pattern letters which sounded personal. 

Vividly I recall the laughter after the brass interviewed for a job a writer who discussed how much time they invested in polishing a speech. No hire, of course.

For myriad practical purposes writing matters. Most colleges require at least one formal writing course. For admission to advanced degree programs, the personal essay is taken seriously. You better do a bang-up job on your LinkedIn profile. Those in the loop size you up based on how you compose your emails. 

But, overall, grief has filled the land. Those of us who had invested decades in improving our writing so that it would attract buyers are, as the cruel saying goes: a dime a dozen. Sure, we can take pride in our craft. Just like the best blacksmiths in town could feel deep inner satisfaction even as Henry Ford's Model-T took over the roads.

AI is a heartbreaker for generations of writers. Four years ago I shifted to earning a living through my sidelines in intuitive coaching and tarot readings.

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success. Meanwhile, we focus on bringing in income. That puts you in a position of strength.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.