Time for a job change

While I’ve worn many hats, I’ve spent over twenty years writing SEO (search engine optimization) across various business verticals. I embraced the idea of helping small businesses connect with their desired audiences by crafting blog posts, web content, catalog descriptions, and more to help businesses grow. But, after many fulfilling years in the industry, I found myself seeking a new challenge. I turned to my family for fresh ideas.

My youngest son was completing his PhD, and his research was based on AI. He suggested I look into data labeling or tutoring as a new direction. This way, I could still utilize my language skills, while stepping into a cutting-edge industry that’s not just growing but thriving. I was intrigued. Between my son’s ideas and what I’d encountered while writing, I decided to look into AI opportunities further.

Discovering generative AI and Mindrift

When ChatGPT and other generative AI tools became available, I poked at them gingerly, looking for blog ideas or unique keywords. I really only scratched the surface, but my curiosity pushed me to explore further. With my son’s suggestion fresh in my mind, I looked for ways to learn more about large language models (LLM). I completed a certificate in Prompt Engineering from Vanderbilt University on Coursera and started looking at jobs on LinkedIn.

That’s where I discovered Mindrift. As an AI Tutor-Editor, I could leverage my grammar and language skills to help train AI Large Language Models (LLM) to deliver high-quality, helpful content to users. And it was freelance — working from home — with the ability to choose my own hours to fit in with my life.

I applied with my resume and LinkedIn profile and was invited to complete a series of assessments. Mindrift provided detailed instructions and specifications on how to complete the tasks. After reviewing my work history, skill sets, and test results, I was offered a freelance position. I was hopeful that this opportunity would help me reignite the spark I had lost.

AI editing revived my motivation

I have to admit, I was getting weary of writing SEO content. I felt like I was losing my edge. It was getting harder to come up with unique ideas for content that aligned with keyword research and SEO best practices. When I started freelancing for Mindrift, I rediscovered the joy of working in a flexible, collaborative environment on exciting projects. Suddenly, I was excited to freelance again. It is an amazing feeling to shift from feeling stagnant to dynamic every day. 

Generative AI and me

An average day at Mindrift? Well, there really isn’t one. My tasks have ranged from examining images and reading AI Tutor prompts and answers based solely on what is visible in the visual to reviewing coding tasks in various languages (HTML, Java, etc.). I ensure that all content adheres to the detailed instructions provided by the client and Mindrift and is grammatically correct with no spelling or factual errors. 

But I’m not just editing. I’m learning. Every single day, I discover something new about art, programming, cultural issues, and other topics that are covered in our editing tasks. And I get to do it all from home, on my own schedule. 

Mindrift community

Working from home is terrific, but I was a little worried that I’d miss the feeling of community that comes with an in-person work environment. Fortunately, that hasn’t been the case. We use the Discord platform to communicate and collaborate daily. If I’m looking for advice or help, all I have to do is ask, and one or more of my fellow Mindrift freelancers will chime in.

I should mention my quality assurance specialist — she is my rock. She answers my questions and offers advice that constantly encourages me to learn more and improve my performance. 

We also have a social channel on Discord for random conversations where I can chat with others and share news about what’s happening in my life — because now, I finally have time for my life.

AI and my life

Work-life balance is crucial. I want to be available for my family while  pursuing my hobbies. I love to read, scrapbook, journal, paint, and Zentangle. As a freelance contractor with Mindrift, I freelance when I want, making sure I have time to live my life. The future looks very bright.

Is AI my future?

It’s clear that AI will play a significant role in everyone’s future, but is it something I will continue to pursue? My work with Mindrift on LLM platforms and generative AI has ignited a passion for learning more. I’ve enrolled in several more classes, including Generative AI Assistants Specialization and Advanced Prompt Engineering from Vanderbilt University. 

I may be nearing retirement age, but I consider myself a life-long learner. AI has rekindled my desire to learn and grow with the latest technology, and Mindrift is an integral part of my new journey. I plan to continue pursuing knowledge in the field of generative AI, both within Mindrift and through trustworthy resources.