I thought working in AI would put me ahead of the curve. Two years in, I've never felt more behind and tired of the topic.

From law to artificial intelligence

For much of their career, the worker was a lawyer. They valued the way expertise built with experience: the longer they practiced, the more they knew. About two years ago, they began moving toward AI, concerned that technology could transform their profession. A conversation with ChatGPT helped them land a role at a legal tech company, where they could combine legal experience with an interest in technology.

Work quickly overtaken

The job involved testing advanced models, comparing their abilities, and exploring possible uses in legal work. At first, the worker felt positioned ahead of a major shift rather than scrambling to catch up.

That confidence faded as the technology advanced at a startling speed. Solutions developed over weeks could become unnecessary when a newer model handled the same problem in minutes, and skills learned months earlier could lose relevance after a product announcement.

AI beyond the working day

The learning did not end when work was over. AI appeared in news coverage, social media, conversations with friends, and discussions about the future of work, leaving the worker tired of hearing about it after a day spent testing models.

They began questioning how much personal time should go toward staying current. The worker made a deliberate effort to disconnect after work, even if that meant missing announcements or falling behind on new developments.

A less certain career choice

The worker does not regret moving into AI, but feels less certain about the decision than before. They believe the technology will keep changing, while recognizing that its pace can feel overwhelming.