One day in the early 90s, I read an article in Time Magazine about this, known as the Internet.
It seemed to show a lot of possibilities, so I bought a book about it – that's what you did when you wanted to learn something. Eventually, I was on a dial-up connection and met people all over the globe on the web.
I wasn't working in technology. I practiced law for most of my career, but I have adopted new technology early throughout my life.
I retired in 2020 after working in law for 30 years, so when ChatGpt was released in 2022, I was comfortable out of the workforce. Meanwhile, I wanted to start trying it out.
I use it now as an assistant and advisor almost every day, but I don't need to integrate it into my workplace.
While some experts are nervous about this latest technological revolution overturning their careers, my years in the workforce have taught us that those who embrace change will survive.
I was not one to move away from technological advances.
When I entered the legal profession in 1982, typewriters were on the verge of being phased out. I was part of a wave of young lawyers who knew how to use keyboards, unlike the partners we worked for.
Progress continues. Word processors have now become document assembly systems. Legal books and legal libraries have become traces of a bygone era. At all times, the change will be too big for some older lawyers, and they will retire.
I had no choice because it was a middle-career. I tried to embrace change faster than my competitors and enjoy the benefits of beating them into punches.
I once learned about databases and built them myself. It took a while, but in the end it paid off beautifully. By the time I left, I automate timekeeping, accounting, case tracking and document creation. When you have spoken with your client and then create a simpler real estate plan, you can complete the document faster than your client can go to the parking lot.
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AI tools make it easier to retire
My appeal to new workplace technology didn't go away just because I retired. When I first got my ChatGpt, I was playing it like a new toy, but I didn't use it much.
Chatbots have become more common and are built into browsers, so I started using them instead of Google and Wikipedia. AI was faster and more seamless than other tools.
Today, on my browser and phone, I have ChatGpt, Gemini, Claude, and Notebooklm.
Claude, an AI assistant built by humanity, is my favorite. When I need to find the facts to use in my discussions with other retired men at the park, Claude gets them from Wikipedia for me.
The other day I was taking one of those people to a Veterans Hospital and Claude found out to me if there was WiFi for guests in the hospital. Before AI, I used search engines for them. Now I'm skipping the list of sponsored links and the clickbait article behind it.
Claude cites that source, but they are not always at their biggest, but if something is mission critical, double checks what LLM is saying.
I often ask Claude about my health. Although the conclusion about the cause of my symptoms is not necessarily correct, given the scheduling issues, policies and prerequisites of the US health system, I still feel it is the first calling port that will help.
I know that there is risk towards the internet for medical advice, but I feel it comforting and another arrow of my trembling another arrow of my trembling to manage my health as an older person.
Claude's availability and bedside manners appeal to me despite their varying accuracy. Claude is always ready to chat and no reservations are required. Chatbots will never be impatient, sleazy or snippy.
If Claude recommends checking with my human doctor, I will do it. The first thing I said was what Claude said. So far, their reaction has been confusing, but I am grateful, not resistant.
I've seen many waves of new technology and I'm not worried about this
Today, some view AI as the beginning of the human end, but among the retired peers in the park, I have seen previous technology breakthroughs coming and going.
Some will take that. Others are set in their way and continue without it. While some people worry that AI will deprive them of employment opportunities, most people are grateful that it doesn't happen to them that they are out of the workforce.
There has already been a lot of talk about AI, which replaces the entry-level white-collar job. I have spent a career writing briefs that AI can now write like recent law school alumni. It sums up the material well, but I don't know if it's sophisticated enough to appeal to the judge's emotions.
I predict that lawyers can use AI tools to save time in research and writing, but I think that holding clients and appearing in court will continue as usual.
I'm a bit jealous of still practical lawyers who can integrate this new technology into their practices. I enjoyed such a kind of challenge when I was wearing their shoes and I feel like I'm missing out on the exciting way that AI influences the practices I've spent in my career.
Although AI makes changes, this is not the first time that technological changes have changed workplaces.
As a retiree, AI does not threaten my living or my lifestyle. It makes life easier. It can be as scary as change for people still on the forefront, but I think it works for those who learn AI, embrace it, and integrate it into their careers.
Are there any stories you would like to share about using AI when you retire? Contact Editor Charissa Cheong ccheong@businessinsider.com
