DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve spent years building a creative business, developing my skills and establishing relationships with clients. Now, with AI making it possible for people to create logos, marketing materials and other content themselves, I’m concerned about what that means for my income.
My business helps support my family, so the changes feel very personal.
I understand why a business owner with a limited budget would try a less expensive option. Still, it’s difficult to think that years of experience could be overlooked because a tool can produce something in seconds.
There is more to my work than making something look attractive. I help clients think through their ideas, communicate clearly and make choices that fit their businesses. I worry that those contributions are becoming harder to explain and charge for.
I’m learning to use AI myself, and I can see how useful it can be. But I have mixed feelings about relying on the same technology that could reduce demand for some of my services. I also find myself questioning how to price my work when technology allows me to complete parts of a project faster, even though I’m still bringing my judgment and experience to it.
I want to approach this as an opportunity to grow, but I don’t want to pretend I’m not worried.
— Creating Through Change
DEAR CREATING THROUGH CHANGE: AI is the big conundrum. My research says keep learning how to use it to enhance your business, and become expert at selling your personal and professional touch.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom died a year ago of natural causes, which has caused my dad to become depressed.
They were best friends and had been married for 50 years. When I was growing up, I always wondered when I got married whether the love between my husband and me would even be half as strong as theirs.
My dad doesn’t want to do anything anymore but lay in bed or watch TV. He is 80 years old, but prior to my mom dying, they would go out of the house all the time to run errands, visit family or friends, and even take vacations. My siblings and I try to encourage him to get out of the house, but he refuses most of our invitations.
I understand that losing the love of your life is devastating, but I am becoming increasingly worried about his mental and physical health. I want him to know that he still has so much to live for, but I do not know how to help him move forward.
I worry that if things continue this way, his grief will prevent him from enjoying the time he has left with his family.
How can I support my dad without making him feel like I am rushing him to move on? Should I encourage him to seek professional help or give him more time to work through his loss?
— Depressed Dad
DEAR DEPRESSED DAD: Find a senior center in your community, and take him there. Surround him with other seniors who are socializing. He may balk at first, but it can be fun to do. And yes, a grief counselor would be excellent for him.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.