In the latter stages of the Covid pandemic and in its aftermath; driven by the urgent need to cut costs in business, there was a move towards remote operation, working from home or partly at home and partly at work, the world of work changed dramatically and fast, and computer technology took a giant leap forward. Busy Bee Editing benefited greatly from that trend. People in general were forced to spend more time than ever before in front of computer screens and on cellphones. This also had a profound effect on education, as learners and students got more and more used to pursuing their education, either partially or wholly on the Internet, instead of relying on teachers teaching mostly verbally or on blackboards or whiteboards.
Our proofreading and editing business more than doubled in size during that period and we grew in terms of experience and expertise.
However, from 2023 onwards, we experienced a decline in business, and struggled to stay afloat; even though we have maintained our ranking on Google at between Number 1 and number 5 on page 1 in the category proofreading and editing South Africa until today.
I must emphasise that pursuing English language proofreading and editing in South Africa as a full-time career is difficult. My advice to anyone who is contemplating this career path is that they first secure a backup career such as translating, computer technology, writing books or participating in other related spheres, such as language coaching, before launching into a freelance editing career. This is because the market for this type of work is extremely fickle and seasonal, so you need to have a backup career to keep the wolf from the door in quiet periods.
The other thing to keep in mind is the threat or benefit of the advent of AI, as the AI field is moving forward by leaps and bounds; so proofreaders and editors need to be aware of this, so they can keep abreast with AI technology; and use it as a tool to improve the quality of work they produce
If you are considering studying in the AI field, then, in my opinion, that is a great idea, as the field is mushrooming and if you can master the intricacies of AI; particularly in programming, you will definitely do very well as AI is already dominating many diverse fields of endeavour.
However; if you have been convinced that you can use AI tools to make you rich overnight; then think before you lay out any money to slick-tongued podcasters, because they are masters at getting people to pay a fee for using their services without providing straightforward, simple non-technical instructions on how to start earning. These individuals are the people who make the real money from your fees. AI scams are everywhere so Beware! The old adage that “there is no such thing as a free lunch” is so true.
If you find someone who is honest and gives you a real opportunity to earn an income from using your talent or gift by means of AI; please let me know, because I haven’t found anyone like that yet.
What I have discovered while reading about and watching podcasts and watching videos about AI, is that AI works best when you create something you are passionate about because if you are serious about your passion, that will be picked up by your viewers and readers and then positive things will start to happen. The world of social media is so riddled with fake information that people in general are desperately looking for truthful communication about subjects they are passionate about, and if you give them that, they will respond.
By partner Brenda is a case in point. I don’t think she realised how talented she was in certain areas; which in her case was writing about dogs. One day with the help of AI, she wrote a childrens book, using AI; and since then she has been creating an enchanting, series of children’s books; beautifully illustrated with AI generated pictures, which she plans to release as ebooks on Amazon.
Business is very quiet at the moment; which I think is probably the case in many places in South Africa, in light of the war of words that’s happening between President Trump of the US; particular in the case of elderly people who are living in nursing homes, in hospital where funding has been cut off or who are dependent on grants from ths for medical assistance; due to Trump’s cutting all aid to us. Businesses are suffering or being closed, people must be losing their jobs. It keeps getting worse and worse.
When is the spineless useless idiot who is supposed to be running this country going to realise that he needs to work for the good of all the people?
Recent Comments