#84: What career would I choose if I had to start all over? (part 2)
Options for non-tech people
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Hey Friends,
Welcome to the 84th edition of my newsletter.
Personal Update
Things have been quite busy at work, but at least I only have one MBA class left this year, so I have time to rest and recharge during the weekends.
But don’t worry, I rest and recharge by doing some intense 90-minute workouts or by writing on the individual assignments for the MBA.
Unfortunately, as I was quite busy, I had to ignore LinkedIn and spend very little time there, so my goal of getting 5000 followers there by the end of the year might not be so easy to achieve. (I know it’s a vanity metric, but hey, we all need some form of motivation.)
There is another thing that made me happy last week, and that was going out for dinner with some of my former classmates from high school. I hadn’t seen some of them for 10 years, maybe 15. There was a lot of catching up to do, as, of course, some of them have had kids and several other changes in their lives during this period.
It was fun seeing them, and I hope we won’t wait for another 10 years to see each other again.
Other than that, while I think the Christmas preparations are too early, today is the first day I allowed myself to get into the Christmas spirit by listening to some Christmas songs. And this is what I will listen to while in deep work until December 26 or so. In the recommendation section below, I will share the playlist I listen to each holiday season.
And even though this is the first time in several years we don’t get to travel to a Christmasy destination, I’m sure it will be a very happy December.
Oh, and I bet on Jake Paul beating Mike Tyson last weekend on my gym’s Instagram post, and I won this T-shirt 😂
Now, let’s move on to the second and last part of my “Choosing your career” series, which is focused on non-technical people.
Choosing your career (part 2)
In the last post (read it below if you missed it), I explored career paths for those with a technical background.
But what if you’re not into programming or tech-focused studies?
The key is to choose a domain you enjoy. But I will be honest with you.
If you want to make sure you will have a long and prosperous career, you need to find ways to integrate technology and AI into the domain you choose.
I will not discuss careers that I see as “vocational” and evergreen, like medicine, teaching, or becoming a priest. Instead, I will discuss what I see as having potential for growth in the future.
No matter what field you’re in, the ability to adapt to technological advancements and leverage tools like AI can set you apart and future-proof your career. Here are some additional career paths to consider if you’re not a technical person:
My top 5 fields if I were starting all over as a non-technical person
1. Content Creator (moving into Digital Marketing Strategist)
Content creators get a bad rap, but the truth is that the digital economy thrives on attention, and businesses need professionals who can grab and retain it.
Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, or LinkedIn dominate consumer attention, making content creation an industry in itself.
You can start with creating compelling content—whether blogs, videos, podcasts, or social media posts—that resonates with an audience and builds engagement. Content creators master storytelling, visual design, and audience connection, leveraging platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Over time, as creators analyze what works—using tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and SEO platforms—they develop a deeper understanding of how to drive traffic and generate leads. This is the foundation of digital marketing strategy.
As a digital marketing strategist, you expand your focus from individual pieces of content to overarching campaigns. You’ll craft multi-channel strategies, allocate advertising budgets, and use AI-powered platforms like HubSpot or SEMrush to optimize and automate campaigns. The shift from creator to strategist transforms a hands-on content role into a leadership position, guiding brands toward meaningful growth.
This career is ideal for creative thinkers who are analytical and eager to combine storytelling with data-driven decision-making. It offers flexibility to grow in different industries, from fashion and tech to education and non-profits.
2. Sustainability Specialist or Manager (Green Architect or Energy Consultant)
As sustainability becomes a global priority, businesses and governments seek experts to guide them toward greener practices. Sustainability specialists help organizations reduce their carbon footprint, optimize resource use, and meet regulatory requirements.
In roles like Green Architect, you may design eco-friendly buildings or spaces. As an energy consultant, you could focus on implementing renewable energy solutions or improving energy efficiency.
AI and data analytics tools are increasingly used to model environmental impacts and track progress.
This field is perfect for those passionate about creating a positive impact on the planet while working on innovative and meaningful projects.
3. Tech Ethics Consultant
As technology continues to shape every aspect of our lives, ethical questions become increasingly complex. Tech Ethics Consultants help organizations navigate the ethical challenges of AI, data privacy, and algorithmic bias.
In this role, you might work with policymakers, businesses, or NGOs to create guidelines that ensure technology is fair, inclusive, and accountable. You’ll tackle questions like:
Who owns user data?
How do we prevent AI discrimination?
What are the societal implications of emerging technologies?
This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy philosophy, law, or public policy and want to ensure technology serves humanity responsibly.
Of course, it helps having a degree in one of them.
4. Low-Code/No-Code Specialist
Building apps and automating workflows no longer requires deep programming knowledge. Low-code/no-code specialists use platforms like Airtable, Zapier, and Bubble to create efficient solutions for businesses.
You might design internal tools to streamline operations, develop customer-facing applications, or even prototype startup ideas.
These roles bridge the gap between traditional IT departments and business teams, making technology accessible to everyone.
This career is perfect for problem-solvers who enjoy creating solutions without delving into complex coding. It’s a great way to stay relevant in tech while focusing on creativity and business needs.
5. Change Management Consultant
Organizations constantly evolve, whether through adopting new technologies, restructuring teams, or shifting business strategies.
Change management consultants are the architects of smooth transitions, helping companies manage the human side of change.
You’ll work closely with leadership to communicate effectively, provide training, and address resistance to change.
Using tools like project management software and employee engagement platforms, you’ll ensure initiatives are adopted successfully and sustainably.
This career suits individuals who excel in communication, leadership, and problem-solving, with a passion for helping people adapt to new realities.
Final Thoughts
No matter what field you choose, your approach matters more than the specific role. When you work with passion, you bring energy and dedication to everything you do. Consistency ensures that small, daily efforts build up to long-term success.
Careers are no longer fixed.
I know people who started out as lawyers and are now technology directors.
Others who moved from being dentists to academia.
So, it’s much more important to keep an open mind, develop critical thinking, and adapt to the market than choose a career that you will stick with for the rest of your life.
Your Turn
What career would you suggest to someone who is starting out right now but is not techy at all?
Recommendations:
The Classical Christmas playlist I will use to focus throughout December.
Tony Dinh is one of my favorite “indie hackers” and someone who has built a lot of interesting products.
I have been using the MX Master 3S mouse (NOT an affiliate link) for a few weeks and it’s a great one. I have a very good position for my hand and the Logi Options+ app makes it easy to map the extra buttons to your desired actions, for increased productivity.
Well, I hope you liked this edition.
Thank you for reading, and join me in the comments section for further discussions!
Leo
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