What does job security look like in the age of AI

Skilled vs. Schooled: Why You Don’t Need Another Degree to Win

Let’s have a real conversation about where the jobs are actually going.

We are living through an era of massive transformation. I know it feels heavy. I know the headlines about AI replacing us are scary. But here is the hard truth we need to sit with: The future doesn't belong to the scared, and it doesn't even just belong to the "schooled." The future belongs to the skilled.

For too long, we’ve been sold a narrative that a piece of paper is the only ticket to security. We’ve been told that fitting into the structure, showing up on time, and following the rules was enough. But in a global, Amazon-Prime economy where everyone wants results yesterday, compliance isn't the currency anymore. Execution is.

In this video, I’m pulling back the curtain on my background in workforce development—from the NYC Department of Education to the tech startup world—to show you exactly how the game is being played right now. I’m not telling you not to get the degree (I value my education!), but I am telling you that you cannot rely on it alone to save you.

We are going to talk about Skill Stacking. This is how you make yourself undeniable. It’s not just about knowing a trade; it’s about combining that trade with the technology of today. It’s about being the HVAC tech who understands Smart Grids, or the communications specialist who masters AI prompting.

If you are waiting for permission to pivot, or if you think you’ve missed the boat because you didn’t go back to school—stop it. The barrier to entry has lowered, but the requirement for curiosity has skyrocketed.

It is time to stop chasing prestige and start chasing fit. It is time to map out an aligned career that actually pays for the life you deserve (hello from Thailand! 🌴).

Let's get into the work. | https://stan.store/alaast

In this video, we cover:
0:00 - The difference between being "Skilled" vs. "Schooled"
1:45 - My personal pivot: Social Work to Tech & AI
2:51 - Why we are in an era of massive transformation
4:05 - The misconception about "Tech Jobs" (It's not just coding)
5:48 - The Amazon Prime Mentality: Why employers hire for results
7:16 - Alternative pathways: Apprenticeships and Micro-credentials
11:12 - The Art of "Skill Stacking" to future-proof your income
12:25 - How to build a portfolio that does the bragging for you

✨ JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
What is one skill you are committing to learning in the next 90 days? Let me know in the comments. We are holding each other accountable.

#FutureOfWork #CareerPivot #AI #WorkforceDevelopment