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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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2. Choose your AI stack wisely

Here's what I actually spend monthly:

My core AI stack

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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