‘Generative AI Is Ruining The Career’: 47-Year-Old Writer Laid Off Three Times Seeks Advice On Reddit | Viral News

Last Updated:March 10, 2026, 07:00 IST

While the Reddit user said she was open to physically active work, she also explained certain limitations.

The woman had spent nearly two decades working as a business writer. (Representative Image)

With artificial intelligence (AI), many professionals are finding themselves questioning their long-term prospects. For some, the concern is not just about job security but also about finding work that is sustainable. These questions recently surfaced after a woman shared her concerns about the future of her career on Reddit that carried the title: “Best trade for a 47-year-old woman?”

The woman explained that she had spent nearly two decades working as a business writer. But the growing use of generative AI tools has started affecting opportunities in the field.

“I’ve spent my career as a business writer but generative AI is ruining the career. I recently got laid off for the third time in my career and I know it’s time to get out of writing for a living. Not only are the opportunities dwindling, but I’m sick of sitting at a desk alone after 20 years of it. I need to re-skill and move into something that AI can’t replace,” she wrote.

Looking For A Physical Job But With Limitations

While the Reddit user said she was open to physically active work, she also explained certain limitations. She described herself as a “5’2 middle-aged woman” and said jobs involving constant heavy lifting might not be sustainable for her. “I’m not afraid of walking, bending, and lifting,” she wrote.

“I know I can get a lot stronger, but realistically, anything that involves a lot of heavy lifting and wear on my joints will not lead to career longevity for me. I do want a physical job, because I’m sick of being sedentary and I think it will help me sleep better if I’m active at work. I just have some limitations on that. I probably can’t dig trenches all day or anything like that,” the post further mentioned.

She also shared that she had previously considered becoming a cardiac sonographer. But after researching the job, she found that “the job wears out your shoulder joints really fast and then you’re basically crippled forever.”

Certain Jobs Completely Off The Table

The woman also outlined several types of work she knew would not suit her. She said she was extremely uncomfortable with medical tasks involving blood, needles or similar procedures. “I’m extremely grossed out by needles, lacerations, fecal matter, and private parts,” she wrote. Because of this, she ruled out careers that would involve inserting IVs, performing stitches or similar tasks.

She also mentioned that she would not feel comfortable working in roles such as dental hygiene. Along with that, she admitted to having a healthy fear of certain power tools. While she said she was comfortable using tools like drills, she wrote that she would not want a job where she might “slice a finger off” using equipment like power saws.

Time And Income Are Important Factors

Another concern she raised in the post was the time required to train for a new profession. At the age of 47, she said she realistically could spend about two years learning a new skill but not four. Financial stability was also an important factor for her. She shared that her previous writing career paid around $70,000 (approximately Rs 64 lakh) annually.

While she said she could temporarily accept a salary of about $50,000 (over Rs 46 lakh) during training or apprenticeship, she hoped to eventually return to earning $70,000 or more. “The whole point of working is so that if anything ever happened to my husband, he could rely on me to support the family,” she explained.

“I have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and harassment. I’m not afraid to work with men who are casual and rough around the edges, but if they’re going to be constantly demeaning me or putting their hands on me, I wouldn’t just take that quietly,” the Redditor explained.

She Also Listed Her Strengths

Along with limitations, the Reddit user also described the strengths she believed could help her switch careers. She said she already had a college degree and considered herself a quick learner when given proper training. She also described herself as reliable and punctual and added that she had good transportation and strong work discipline.

The woman said she enjoys working with her hands and often takes on small plumbing or construction tasks at home. “I’m not afraid to turn a wrench, wear boots and coveralls, and get dirty,” she wrote. At the same time, she mentioned that she is an introvert but still comfortable dealing with customers when needed.

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Reddit Users Shared Their Own Career Switch Stories

After the post gained attention, several Reddit users began sharing suggestions and personal experiences in the comments.

One user shared, “I’m 44 and just left my publishing career to become a city transit bus driver. Starting salary is $50k, full benefits package, and a pension as early as 10 years, but comfortable after 20. The city paid for me to go to driving school, is paying for all my uniforms and equipment, and gave me a 5-year employment contract. I’ll keep writing as a hobby, but after a month in this role, I’m all-in for transit driving.”

Another shared, “I’m the same age. I was also a freelance copywriter so know all too well your pain with AI. I also wrote a novel, but really that’s a stupid dream because NO ONE gets published writing a novel. So, I get this! I went into massage therapy. I now make SOOOOO much more money than any stupid crap writing gig I ever had. Plus no desk work, no computer, no emails, no writing. I love it. Not gonna lie there are some cons (may not be for everyone who doesn’t want to touch human flesh), but at least AI won’t be coming for massage therapy anytime soon.”

“I know quite a few smallish women who became welders. It’s a decent profession that AI isn’t taking over anytime soon,” someone else suggested.

A person suggested that the woman could consider starting her own cleaning business instead of looking for a traditional job. The commenter explained that they knew someone who runs a cleaning service and charges between $50 and $75 per hour, depending on the type of work involved.

Location :

Delhi, India, India

First Published:

March 10, 2026, 07:00 IST

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