Your Career in the Age of AI

Your Career in the Age of AI: Why 72% of Americans Want Help Navigating What’s Next

You’ve probably heard about AI everywhere lately – in fact, according to a new Gallup poll, 98% of American adults have seen or heard information about artificial intelligence in the past year. This poll, conducted in April 25-May 5, 2025, surveyed (on-average) 1,000 U.S. citizens to gauge the public’s awareness and understanding of AI. Yet despite all this buzz, most of us feel uncertain about what it actually means for our careers and futures.

If you’re feeling anxious about how AI might impact your job or wondering what opportunities might emerge, you’re not alone. The same Gallup study found that 73% of Americans believe AI will destroy more jobs than it creates in the next decade. That’s a lot of people worried about their professional futures – and rightfully so.

The Reality Check: Where We Stand Today

Let’s look at what the numbers tell us about America’s relationship with AI right now. While nearly everyone has heard about AI, only 39% of people actually use it in their personal or work lives, according to the Gallup/Special Competitive Studies Project survey of 3,128 adults conducted in April-May 2025. Even more telling: just 8% of Americans consider themselves “very knowledgeable” about AI.

This gap between awareness and understanding creates a perfect storm of career uncertainty. We know change is coming, but we don’t fully grasp what it means for us personally. Most concerning, only 31% of Americans trust AI to make fair and unbiased decisions, which adds another layer of anxiety to an already complex situation.

Why Traditional Career Advice Falls Short

The traditional career playbook – get a degree, find a stable job, and work your way up – no longer accounts for the rapid changes brought about by AI. Consider this: when asked about workers who lose their jobs to AI, 51% of Americans believe only “some” of these workers will successfully transition to new careers, while 24% think only “a few” will make it. Just 3% believe all displaced workers will find new opportunities.

These aren’t just statistics – they represent real fears about real futures. Maybe you’re wondering if your industry is next. Perhaps you’re already seeing AI tools replacing tasks you used to do. Or maybe you’re curious about new opportunities but don’t know where to start.

The Overwhelming Demand for Guidance

Here’s what gives us hope: Americans aren’t sitting idle. The Gallup poll reveals that 72% of people support creating or expanding workforce training and education programs that teach people how to develop or use AI. This overwhelming majority, which crosses all political lines and demographics, shows that people are not alone in their need for guidance during this transition.

But here’s the challenge – knowing you need help and finding the right help are two different things. Generic online courses or one-size-fits-all career advice can’t address your unique situation, skills, and goals. This realization is where the need for personalized guidance becomes invaluable.

What is a Career Ownership Coach™ and How Can They Help You?

A Career Ownership Coach™ serves as your personal navigator through these uncertain waters. They help you explore all your options – including paths you might never have considered.

Think about it this way: The Gallup study found that 53% of Americans believe AI will boost economic growth, while 62% think it will increase workplace productivity. These statistics suggest that while some doors may close, others will open. The key is identifying which opportunities align with your skills, interests, and life goals.

Career Ownership Coaches™ use proven assessment tools and methodologies to help you:

• Understanding Your True Strengths and Transferable Skills is crucial. Many people underestimate their capabilities or fail to recognize how their existing skills can be applied to new opportunities. Having someone help you identify and articulate your value becomes crucial, empowering you and boosting your confidence.
• Explore Non-Traditional Paths: The survey shows Americans favor collaboration over going it alone – 42% support working with allies to develop AI capabilities versus just 14% supporting unilateral development. This collaborative mindset extends to career planning. Your coach helps you explore options beyond traditional employment, including business ownership and franchise opportunities that might offer more control over your professional future.
• Create a Personalized Action Plan: Generic advice is ineffective in today’s era of rapid change. Your coach helps you develop a strategy tailored to your specific situation, whether you’re looking to upskill in your current field, transition to a new industry, or explore entrepreneurship.

A Career Ownership Coach™ helps you see beyond the immediate disruption to identify where you can add value in an AI-enhanced economy. They understand that career transitions aren’t just about finding another job – they’re about discovering work that provides both financial stability and personal fulfillment.

The most striking finding from the Gallup poll might be this: Americans who actually use AI are twice as likely to trust it compared to non-users (46% versus 23%). This suggests that engagement and understanding reduce fear and increase confidence. The same principle applies to career planning in the AI age – taking proactive steps with proper guidance transforms uncertainty into opportunity.

Career Ownership Coaches™ don’t just help you react to changes; they help you get ahead of them. They provide:

• Industry insights about which fields are growing versus declining
• Support through the emotional aspects of career transition
• Accountability to keep you moving forward
• Access to opportunities you might not find on your own

Your Next Step Forward

The Gallup data paints a clear picture: Americans know AI will reshape the economy, they want help preparing for it, and they’re ready to invest in their futures. The question isn’t whether change is coming – it’s how you’ll respond to it.

Whether you’re concerned about job security, curious about new opportunities, or ready to take control of your professional destiny, a Career Ownership Coach™ provides the personalized guidance you need. They help you move from anxiety to action, from uncertainty to understanding, and from fear to a concrete plan for your future.

In an age where only 15% of Americans feel “very likely” that the U.S. will lead in AI technology in the next decade, taking charge of your own career might be the smartest investment you can make. Don’t wait for change to happen to you – work with a Career Ownership Coach™ to shape your own professional future.

The AI revolution isn’t just about technology – it’s about people finding their place in a changing world. With the right guidance, you can be among those who thrive in this new landscape, turning today’s uncertainty into tomorrow’s opportunity.