An Accidental Research Study - Part 3

Previous posts covered Part 1 (think Executive Summary or TL;DR) and Part 2 (a deep dive into how researchers are a passionate bunch). In Part 3, I’m diving into two other insights, AI and the job market. Next Steps will be posted in Part 4.

Insight 2: AI is…What?
AI. So much attention is devoted to AI and research: it is the topic du jour.

Good news: despite the chatter, we do not see AI replacing our roles.

Universally, we see AI as extremely interesting and rapidly evolving, now part of our research toolbox. Most of us are still in the “let’s figure out what’s going to work” stage of adoption. We are also overwhelmed by the plethora of AI tools out there - some for research, others more general - and determining what works best both short-term and for the duration.

We are united in the belief that AI will not replace our roles.

Mostly, we see AI as a means by which to gain efficiencies and scale. AI helps us uplevel our work, freeing time to spend with the data and in analysis by removing some manual steps. Already, we are producing deeper and more relevant insights, thinking more strategically, and working to be more impactful. We see this trend continuing.

Really, if anything, we are more excited about working with AI than concerned or scared. We are watching, experimenting and seeing amazing possibilities as it evolves and becomes an indispensable part of our research process.

Insight 3: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Not surprisingly, job insecurity comes up repeatedly. I estimate that approximately 65% of those I’ve spoken with in the previous 12 months have been or are currently unemployed, a few by choice, most by not their choice.

The job insecurity conversation is tough, with the potential to slide into negativity and pessimism. Universally, we agree that the job search is hard and mentally exhausting. We work in a discipline that tends to be hit early and deeply when budget cuts are deemed necessary, and many of us have repeatedly been a part of this roller coaster.

We all agree that unemployment just kind of sucks. Being on the receiving end of a terrible conversation is painful, often in crazy circumstances.

Having said that, our conversations have been positive and upbeat. While we know the road to finding a new role is difficult, we are excited and extremely optimistic we will land something that will continue to inspire our passion for research.

Personally, it’s been both refreshing and energizing to talk to others also working through next steps. We've bounced ideas off of each other, provided so much feedback and much congratulations and cheer along the way. The research community is strong and helpful...we like to talk :).

Are you interested in being part of my “accidental” study? DM me or book a time slot here: https://lnkd.in/gyB4nyMu