You don’t have to follow tech closely to feel it. Something about work is different these days. Not necessarily louder or faster, just less certain. That’s because AI is showing up in more and more places, and even people who aren’t actively using it are sensing a shift beneath the surface. That intuition isn’t unfounded.
Recent workforce surveys indicate that a growing number of people are already using AI at work at least occasionally, with regular use increasing month over month. In regions like the SF Bay Area, where adoption tends to happen earlier, that pace is likely even faster. In many cases, this is unfolding before companies have had a chance to establish clear policies or communicate expectations, which may help explain why the shift feels informal and hard to name.
Whether they’ve been asked to use AI or not, many of those experimenting are primarily using it to draft emails, summarize documents, or brainstorm ideas. That’s not insignificant. But it’s also probably not the part that’s creating the most tension.
In the conversations I’ve been having, I’ve noticed a growing gap between using AI occasionally and understanding how it may be reshaping what it means to contribute and stay relevant. That gap is likely where much of the unease comes from.
It's Not Really About the Tools
- How do I use AI without losing what makes me effective?
What skills actually matter now?
How do I stay grounded when the rules feel like they’re changing?
Why This Shift Feels Different
We’ve lived through technology changes before. New systems. New software. New platforms. But this moment feels different. AI isn't just changing how work gets done. It's also influencing how decisions are being made, how output is judged, and where responsibility sits. I’ve also heard, especially from people who aren’t actively using AI, a concern that elements of their work could be done with it. That adds another layer of pressure to adapt, whether or not anyone has explicitly asked them to.
For those feeling uncomfortable and uncertain, here's what's important to remember:
- AI can generate options quickly, but human judgment determines which ones matter.
- AI can speed up work, but people provide the experience and nuance to decide what tradeoffs are acceptable and where care is required.
- AI can support thinking, but accountability, ethics, and context remain human responsibilities.
The professionals who adapt well through this transition won't be the ones learning the most tools. They'll be the ones learning to understand, adopt and leverage AI thoughtfully, without rushing to keep up or pulling away out of discomfort.
Why I’m Writing This Series
I started this AI-focused series for people who find themselves either minimizing AI or feeling quietly overwhelmed by it. Both reactions are understandable, but neither is especially helpful on its own. If you’re feeling the shift but haven’t found the language to articulate it yet, you’re not behind. You’re paying attention, and that matters. Awareness is often the first real step in navigating change.
Over the coming weeks, rather than teaching you how to become an AI expert, I’ll focus on helping you become a more confident, adaptable professional in a world where AI is now part of the environment.
Some of the topics we'll explore include:
Why basic AI use may soon become the baseline
What it truly means to work alongside AI
How to think differently about skills, judgment, and value
Practical ways to engage with AI without losing your footing
To get this started, in the next post, I’ll explore why “just using AI” is no longer the differentiator many people assume it is, and what that means for anyone navigating change. I hope you’ll continue the conversation with me there.