For me, looks like my career ends not with a bang, but a whimper

I have not worked since April 7, when I delivered a report, and I have no work on the horizon. This is highly, highly unusual. Since I went off on my own in 2008, I've done exactly 20 projects a year—I physically couldn't do more than that.

Last year I did half of that. This year, it looks like it will be even less.

The first nail in the coffin was COVID--I haven't done any travel since then. That alone didn't substantially change my workload--it simply brought it inside.

The second nail in the coffin appears to be AI. One of my regular clients--a company that serves as a market research vendor for Big Pharma, and then they subcontract me for the interviewing--called me to see "how my business was." I told her I haven't worked since April 7. She and her business partner have also seen a serious downshifting in their work. They said that as their clients have aged along with them, they are getting laid off. Then, when they get hired at other companies, they are low on the totem pole for awarding market research contracts--and in general, the staff is very young (my client is probably late 40s, and she said that the staff is a lot younger).

When I went to my trade conference in February, all the buzz was about AI, and many people came for the same reason I did--to figure out what the impact will be on market research. They were optimistic about traditional market research, but I have followed my peers on LinkedIn, and it seems that market research will be upended entirely. Humans will be sidelined in favor of AI applications that completely replace standard live interviews and human insight generation.

Sorry for this long post, but I feel sideswiped--like I have been let go because of irrelevancy. Not that I want to work forever, but I was hoping that I would choose when my career was over. On the one hand, I'm sad--it's like a significant part of me is in hospice. OTOH, I'm sure I'll find a new purpose.

At least this coincided with my DD's diagnosis, so all this free time has enabled me to be at her beck and call, which she has been very grateful for.

So sorry that this is the way it seems to be ending, catherine. With all the inaccuracies folks have told about with AI, I don't see how it can be trusted. Sigh... I'm sorry you aren't able to go out on your own terms. But, as you said, you definitely have other uses for that time. Hugs

So sorry to hear this. Hugs.

I am sorry to hear that your work is not going as you had hoped. I keep wondering what exactly is the benefit of AI to all of us in so many instances.

That would be a punch to the gut, Catherine. I'm so sorry to learn about this. I've heard much negative talk about AI "selections" and it's really disturbing that is the way we're going, devaluing the human element.

I am very sorry to hear this. You are no doubt exactly right about AI. It is decimating so many jobs right now, and for no good reason, as it is unreliable and counterproductive in so many applications, at least as I have observed it in my own work. Its appearance in my classroom has made it apparent my days of doing things my way are very limited, and it feels so discouraging on so many levels. We are being made obsolete by something that does not work as well as the work we do, which seems pointless. I worry for my daughter in law who does research for a non-profit. They have lost much of their funding. I think it is part of the same social engineering.

I wish I could think of something positive to say, although you have already said a couple, and maybe that's the answer here, that new seasons are beginning and we are shifting to new things. It's just very unpleasant to have the agency taken away with respect to work and then how long to work, and it undermines one's sense of contribution, which is very painful.

I'm sorry, Catherine, but glad there is at least a silver lining in terms of being able to spend extra time with your DD when she needs you most. How significant is the financial impact to your life?

Catherine I am surprised to hear this because I figured you would have a few contracts for as long as you wanted them.

I know you’ll find plenty of purpose in your life and things to do, it’s just too bad that the money ran out before you were ready for it to run out.

I hope all turns out in a way that is pleasing and productive. Like they seem to say, "when one door closes another opens"? I think the impact of AI on certain job markets is going to be a rude awakening for many.

Thank you all. While it is bittersweet to look nostalgically in the rear view mirror at an amazing career that serendipitously presented itself 27 years ago I am actually looking forward to moving ahead.

Rosa and IL, regarding finances, no, I'm not ready to really retire. I'll be looking for ways to continue earning. Again, whether you believe in God or luck, another bit of interesting timing is that Saturday DH launches his new boat tour business. I have a feeling that will go a long way in helping us pay the bills this summer/fall.

I am exploring writing opportunities--including the book I'm halfway through writing and I'm exploring other avenues--and all of these options are far less stressful and more fun than market research, so I have that to look forward to.