AI Career Uncertainty: From First Jobs to Late Career Pivots, We're All in it Together
The work world has been thrown into chaos thanks to new AI-driven innovation. And now parents and kids are facing career uncertainty together — from first jobs to professional pivots.
Not in recent times has the world of work changed so radically, disrupting the prospects of those entering the professional world, as well as those moving through their mid-to-late careers. The problem is that no one really knows what impact AI is having, and will continue to have, on our understanding of work. AI is a disruptive innovation, not an end in itself — and that is what makes figuring out the path ahead so hard.
The good news is that there are role models for addressing career shifts, from those diving into continuing education and making lateral changes, to others exploring and mastering new fields. Groups are also coalescing around issues and questions, not simple career paths or absolutes.
Meet Kirsten Co
I've been lucky to meet some extraordinary leaders and thinkers, including my new friend Kirsten Co. This week I asked Kirsten to share her journey and the changes she decided to make mid-career in response to market shifts driven by AI innovation.
About Kirsten
Kirsten is the epitome of intellectual curiosity and bravery. She grew up in the Philippines and attended university there. Upon graduation, Kirsten secured a job with the Coca-Cola company in the Asia Pacific region, which brought her frequently to the company’s headquarters in Atlanta. Itching for more opportunity, she then studied for an MBA in Sydney, and from there held leadership positions at ecommerce and digital platforms in Singapore. I met Kirsten after she arrived in New York City to take on a master’s degree program at NYU in global security, conflict, and cybercrime.
Our chat about career pivots, and how to help kids navigate what is next…
Q: You have had a bold, brave career journey so far, what has that looked like, and what have you learned?
KC: At the beginning of my career, I said yes to anything that lit me up—every opportunity, every project, every offer—as long as it gave me something new to learn. I didn’t overthink the path. I just made sure I was working with someone smart and kind, and that alone kept me growing.
I built friendships across all levels of the org—titles didn’t matter to me. And that openness led to some unexpected chances to work globally. The people who gave me those opportunities did so because they saw I was flexible and willing to do things others wouldn’t. That got me a lot of FaceTime with execs—sometimes through high-impact projects, and sometimes just by making sure their meetings ran smoothly, or their coffee was on time.
In return, they offered mentorship, no strings attached. But whenever I hit a point where I wasn’t learning or being compensated fairly, I’d take that as a sign to pivot. That mindset eventually led me to pursue my master’s abroad and reset what growth looked like for me.
Q: What can parents and their kids learn about the choices you've made and the ways you've approached both learning and professional opportunities?
KC: One of the biggest takeaways is the value of openness and being willing to learn—especially early on. I really believe in saying yes to a wide range of experiences because you won’t know what you like (or don’t like) until you try.
Experimentation was key at the beginning of my career. Even as a teenager, my parents exposed me to different types of work. I remember helping with their business by jotting down invoices in an accounting journal—and that’s exactly how I learned I didn’t want to be an accountant! That kind of hands-on exposure taught me to pay attention to what energized me and what didn’t.
The earlier you can explore, the more intentional your choices become later on.
Q: I write a lot about the need for kids to develop critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity and bravery, but it can be difficult to show that in practice, what do you think these mean?
KC: For me, it starts with exposure. Parents can give their children a real head start by safely introducing them to different environments, societies, and walks of life. That kind of exposure broadens a child’s perspective and builds empathy, adaptability, and resilience.
This doesn’t always mean international travel or big experiences—it can be as simple as letting them experience different types of school systems or extracurricular programs. Enrolling your child in an arts class in a rural setting versus a city, or encouraging them to participate in community events in different neighborhoods, can show them how culture, creativity, and resources vary. It helps them understand that there isn’t just one way to live, learn, or connect.
I also believe in letting kids observe adult settings—whether that’s in the workplace, community forums, or even just casual social interactions. Seeing how people problem-solve, collaborate, or disagree respectfully gives children a reference point for real-world dynamics. Of course, as a parent, you need to be mindful—watch how your child is processing the environment, and if it becomes too much or inappropriate, you pull them out. It’s a calculated risk, but one that, when done with care, can give them powerful early lessons in communication, critical thinking, and confidence.
Q: You are currently on the forefront of academia's effort to adapt to the new world ahead, what does that look like?
KC: It’s about staying grounded in what I know I can contribute. I focus on the areas where I bring strength and experience, and I show up fully there. But when I’m curious about something new and not sure where to begin, I don’t try to go it alone—I find a community, a class, or even just a group of like-minded people to learn alongside. That’s how I keep moving forward—by staying sharp where I’m strong and staying open where I’m still growing.
Right now, I’m helping organize AI safety events in New York with two others I met through a Slack community focused on AI safety. It’s a space where I can contribute meaningfully, even as I’m still learning. I knew early on that research wasn’t my strength in this field, so I’ve been intentional about finding and supporting people who are already great at what they do—helping them sustain and scale their work however I can. That’s my way of staying at the forefront: by combining curiosity, humility, and action through community.
Q: Many teens are in the midst of choosing colleges right now, is there a way to put into context what they should be considering?
KC: Teens should start by thinking about what excites them right now and how that might connect to who they want to become. If that future vision isn’t totally clear yet—which is completely normal—then it’s worth having open conversations with your parents or guardians. Talk about what’s economically viable and future-proof.
And don’t overlook your family’s experience, especially if they’ve built something successful. They’ve seen more of the world, made mistakes, and learned from them—so their advice comes from both love and lived experience. You don’t have to follow everything they say, but it’s smart to listen closely to the people who care about you and are responsible enough to tell you the truth.
What are your thoughts about this time of change and your career? We’d love to hear more…
If you didn’t get a chance to read my article about college choice during these changing times, you can find that here:
College Admissions in the Age of AI
Over the past few weeks, I've attended several events bringing together academics, industry leaders, advocates, and students to discuss a range of issues related to how we build AI responsibly.
Career News & Resources
This is a hot topic, of course, so a few articles and resources here that could prove enlightening:
"Is AI already shaking up labor market," Harvard Gazette, Feb 14, 2025
Sub-Reddit on AI is a fascinating look at real-time thoughts by those affected by AI innovation
"AI is likely to impact careers. How can organizations help build a resilient early career workforce?" Deloitte, December 6, 2024
Coursera has also been my choice for exploring different topics and securing certifications in AI governance, ethics, data science and cybersecurity.