New data shows AI is replacing freelancers faster than expected
How to flip the script on AI job displacement.
A major study just dropped that confirmed what many of us suspected: AI is replacing freelancers faster than anyone predicted. Analyzing 1.4 million job listings, researchers found a 21% drop in automation-prone freelance work after ChatGPT's launch.
The breakdown is brutal:
Writing jobs: -30%
Software development: -21%
Engineering: -10%
Graphic design: -17%
But here's what caught my attention: while traditional opportunities decreased, something interesting emerged. The study found 903 new job listings specifically requiring ChatGPT expertise. And 82% of these were in software and web development.
This isn't just another tech trend. It's a fundamental shift in how work gets done. And it's happening right now.
Why I got excited when others panicked
When I first saw this data, I had an unusual reaction: I smiled. Not because I'm happy about job losses – I'm not. But because it confirmed something I've known for months.
See, while everyone was debating whether AI would replace us, I (and many others) were quietly experimenting with a different approach. Instead of competing against AI, I started augmenting every damn thing I did with it until the line between me and AI began to blur.
My output more than quadrupled.
My client’s were happy.
And most importantly, I started landing higher-paying projects because I could deliver more value than either humans or AI alone.
Here's what I realized: The freelancers who are struggling aren't being replaced by AI directly. They're being replaced by people who know how to use AI strategically.
The data backs this up. The same study found that jobs requiring AI skills saw:
5.7% higher pay
More complex requirements
Increased demand
This isn't just about survival. It's about thriving in a new landscape where AI amplifies human capabilities rather than replacing them.
My "AI Augmentation" framework
I use AI to replace a lot of tasks I used to do manually. And that's okay. The goal isn't to preserve human work - it's to produce better results faster. It took me over a year to learn this.
Here's my framework.
1. Build your AI command center
I've created a massive library of specialized prompts for everything I do. And I mean everything:
Content research
Article writing
Social post creation
Email writing
Image generation
Market analysis
Finance
Pro tip: Use a tool like Text Blaze to store and instantly access your prompts. I have hundreds of commands that I can trigger in seconds. This alone transformed my workflow.
2. Choose your AI stack wisely
Here's what I actually spend monthly:
And it replaces what would have cost me thousands in human assistance. Pick your tools based on your needs and budget, but don't cheap out on the ones that directly impact your output.
3. Make AI your constant companion
I literally talk to Claude all day long. I'm not exaggerating:
Brainstorming ideas
Analyzing problems
Getting feedback
Testing approaches
Even just thinking through decisions
At first it feels weird. Then it becomes natural. Now it's like having a brilliant assistant available 24/7.
4. Let AI handle core workflows
I've gone all in on using AI for:
Writing: First drafts, editing, rewrites
Research: Background, sources, fact-checking
Visuals: Image generation, basic design
Social: Post ideas, engagement strategies
Analysis: Data interpretation, trend spotting
The key? Stop trying to preserve "human-only" tasks. Instead, focus on using AI to produce better end results.
This newsletter? I fed the research paper to Claude, discussed angles and insights, had it help craft sections, then edited and personalized the result. The final product is better than if I'd done it alone OR just thrown it at AI without guidance. (Do not thrown it at AI without guidance.)
If you are serious about doing the same for you, whether you’re a freelancer, solopreneur, or company, I invite you to join us as an AI Disruptor (Paid). You will get access to my prompts, guides, workflows, and deep-dives. (Tomorrow I’ll be showing how to create perfect FAQs in less than 30 seconds.)
Remember that 30% drop in writing jobs? That's happening because most people are trying to compete against AI instead of fully integrating it.
Look, the research is clear: AI isn't just changing work - it's replacing traditional roles entirely. But it's also creating opportunities for those who know how to harness it.
Great article. AI seems to be a faster version of a big tech wave ie TV did not replace radio completely. And you are right… practice makes perfect with anything….