Copywriter Loses Job to AI Twice in 40 Days, Warns No Industry Is Safe
A copywriter who was made redundant twice within 40 days due to artificial intelligence replacing human roles has issued a stark warning that no industry is safe from automation. Liam Rondi, 30, had worked as a copywriter for two years before receiving a call informing him of his redundancy, a move that coincided with reports his company had laid off writers in favour of AI Editors.
Missed Red Flags and Sudden Redundancy
Liam admitted he had zero inclination he would lose his job, but in hindsight, he recognised several red flags. These included the introduction of AI training sessions and a strategic shift requiring writers to edit AI-generated content rather than create original copy from scratch. This transition marked a significant change in company policy, which previously threatened job loss for anyone using AI to write content.
A Second Blow: Freelance Role Also Lost to AI
After his initial redundancy, Liam quickly transitioned into a freelance copywriting position, only to receive an email weeks later stating the company would no longer be using freelance writers. Instead, they planned to roll out a range of AI tools, effectively eliminating his role for a second time. Liam described this double loss as abhorrent and a slap in the face, forcing him to consider training for a completely different career path.
The Human Cost of AI Adoption
Liam, who moved from London to Montpellier in 2024 with his husband Xavier, expressed feelings of betrayal and being undervalued. He emphasised that job security, which seemed assured just two years ago, has evaporated, with job boards now appearing barren. Most roles he has applied for involve AI in some capacity, making it impossible to avoid the technology's pervasive influence.
Technical Limitations and Ethical Concerns
Despite companies rushing to adopt AI, Liam insists the technology currently falls short in creative jobs. He reported spending excessive time correcting factual errors and inaccuracies in AI-generated content, particularly on sensitive subjects, which often proved more time-consuming than writing from scratch. AI tends to regurgitate existing content, including previously incorrect material, creating an endless cycle of poor-quality output.
Liam also raised ethical issues, noting AI steals people's art and jobs while having a significant environmental impact. He warned that over-reliance on AI could stifle new ideas and creativity, as the technology merely repurposes existing content rather than generating original thought.
A Call for Caution and Vigilance
Through his social media accounts, Liam aims to educate others on spotting red flags that their jobs might be at risk from AI. He observed that companies are moving too hastily, driven by cost-cutting motives, even if it means replacing humans with less capable systems. He believes no industry outside manual labour is currently safe, given AI's rapid improvement and corporate eagerness to implement it.
Fortunately, Liam has since secured a new freelancing role with a company that opposes AI use, but his experience serves as a cautionary tale. He acknowledges AI's potential benefits in speeding up processes but urges careful development to prevent widespread job losses and degradation of creative standards.
