Hey friend—

Let’s have a real talk.

AI isn’t just another tech trend. It’s our generation’s Industrial Revolution — only faster. Back then, machines changed how we worked. Today, AI is changing how we think. And just like those factory workers a century ago, we’ve got two choices: evolve or get left behind.

That might sound heavy, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Because knowledge—not panic—is how Gen X wins this next round.

We grew up during transformation once already. We watched typewriters turn into PCs, landlines into smartphones, mix tapes into playlists. We adapted then — we’ll do it again.

Here’s how we start.

When we don’t understand something, we tend to avoid it. But AI isn’t magic—it’s math, pattern recognition, and a lot of data crunching.

So before worrying about “robots taking jobs,” just use it once. Ask ChatGPT to:

Suddenly, AI isn’t an abstract threat—it’s a tool in your toolbox.

When calculators appeared, people thought they’d ruin math education. Instead, they made accountants faster and engineers more capable.

AI is doing the same for thinking work. It can’t replace your judgment, empathy, or leadership—but it can handle the repetitive stuff.

Use it to:

We don’t lose our edge by using AI—we sharpen it.

If you’re helping parents or kids with tech, this is the moment to make AI part of the conversation.

At dinner, try this question:

That one conversation makes AI less mysterious and more normal—something your family can talk about openly instead of fearing.

Technology always evolves, but core values don’t:

We can embrace the tools without surrendering what makes us us.

If you want my free “AI Starter Checklist” (privacy settings + sample prompts), reply CHECKLIST and I’ll send it your way.

The Industrial Revolution changed how we worked.
AI is changing how we live.

But this time, Gen X isn’t watching from the sidelines—we’re steering the ship.

Stay curious, stay safe,

Joe
Your Gen X Tech Adviser