Career Insurance: AI-Proof Skills Without Coding
Woman looking at her laptop with bubbles saying AI Chat, Chart, Process, Learn
“I'm Not Technical—Am I Screwed?”
That's what many workers are asking after reading another article about AI taking over jobs.
I get it. The headlines are scary. In early June 2025, Dario Amodei—CEO of Anthropic, one of the creators of artificial intelligence—warned that AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs and spike unemployment to 10-20% in the next one to five years. He told Axios that AI companies need to stop "sugar-coating" what's coming.
I know that sounds terrifying. Honestly, it stopped me in my tracks when I read that headline. Especially if you're not "technical," it can feel like the work world is leaving you behind.
I don’t have a crystal ball but I don’t think you're not screwed. Not even close.
Let’s Talk About the Future of Work
Yes, the World Economic Forum says 39% of our skills will change by 2030. At first glance, that sounds scary. But it says nowhere that you need to become a programmer to stay relevant.
I was a recruiter for years, and I can tell you something important: The people who thrive aren't always the most technical ones. Often, they're the ones who figure out how to work with technology, not build it. That is where the magic happens.
Think about it this way. When email became a thing, did everyone need to become a computer programmer?
No.
They just needed to learn how to send emails.
What Really Matters (And No Coding Needed)
Let’s cover what will keep you employable in the next 2-10 years.
The human stuff that AI can't do:
Thinking through problems step by step
Bouncing back when things go wrong
Coming up with creative solutions
Leading people through change
Yes, there are "tech-friendly" activities you should take:
Being comfortable with trying new tools
Knowing how to work with AI to get better results
Understanding what numbers mean for your job
Notice what's not on this list?
Building websites.
Writing code.
Creating databases.
This Is What You Can Do To Be Prepared
Start with what you already use:
If you haven’t already, learn the more advanced features in Excel (pivot tables aren't as scary as they sound. Even I can do them)
Set up basic reports in the current software you use
Take the time to try the automation features you've been ignoring
Get friendly with AI tools:
Spend 15 minutes playing with ChatGPT or similar tools
Use them to draft emails or a report. Work on prompts that give you the most effective product
Ask them to explain things you don't understand
Know what the numbers mean:
Practice explaining what charts and graphs show
Figure out which numbers matter most in your role
Use simple tools to make your data look good in presentations
Yes, Not Being “Techy” Can Be An Advantage
Most people don't realize that your biggest advantage might be that you're not super technical.
Why?
Because you can translate between the tech people and everyone else.
You can take complicated stuff and explain it in plain English.
You can figure out if a new tool will help your team or create more headaches.
Companies need people like this—a lot.
Your Gameplan For This Week
Pick one thing. Just one.
Maybe it's finally learning how to use that feature in your software that you've been avoiding. Maybe it's asking ChatGPT to help you write a better email. Maybe it's creating a simple chart instead of just listing numbers.
Do it for 30 minutes. That's it.
What Staying Relevant Really Means
I've seen this same movie before. People panicked when PCs started popping up in offices (yes, I am that old). They thought it would result in many jobs being lost. Yes, some did, but it created even more.
And you know who did fine? The ones who stayed curious and were willing to try new things.
The secret isn't becoming technical. It's becoming adaptable.
Remember Your Homework
This week, find one process in your job that feels slow or irritating. Spend 30 minutes researching if there's a tool or feature that could help. Then try it.
That's it. No coding required.
Remember: You don't need to build the future.
You only need to be comfortable working in it.
Shelley Piedmont is a Career Coach who focuses on understanding your unique skills, interests, and aspirations and provides personalized coaching to guide you toward roles where you can truly thrive. Whether you are stuck as to what your next career move should be or need help with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, or interview preparation, Shelley is here to help you. Please set up an exploratory call to find out how she can help you reach your career goals.