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Harvard graduate loses one-third of his six-figure income to AI, turns to a tech-resistant skill for career switch
ET Online | September 20, 2025 3:20 AM CST

Synopsis

Harvard graduate Richard Lambert, who once earned six figures writing résumés, has seen a 30% income drop as AI tools reshape the field. While clients increasingly turn to AI, Lambert argues human input is vital to convey individuality. To adapt, he’s balancing résumé writing with learning boat mechanics at a marina, embracing a healthier work-life rhythm. Though short-term prospects remain strong, he admits the long-term impact of AI is uncertain.

Harvard graduate Richard Lambert, a multimillion-dollar résumé writer, has seen his monthly income drop nearly 30 percent as AI tools become job seekers’ first choice. (Image: iStock)

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Richard Lambert, a Harvard graduate who built a multimillion-dollar résumé-writing business on Fiverr and through his own company, has seen a sharp decline in earnings as artificial intelligence tools creep into his field. In an essay shared with Business Insider, Lambert revealed that his monthly income has dropped by nearly 30 percent this year, averaging around $70,000 compared to six-figure highs in 2023.

AI becomes the first stop for job seekers

Lambert acknowledged that many clients now turn to AI tools before approaching professional writers. While he still sees strong demand, he admitted that quirks in punctuation and tone often expose AI-generated résumés. “When you apply for a job, you want your personality and individuality to shine through — not AI,” Lambert told Business Insider. He stressed that human input remains vital for tailoring résumés to competitive job markets.

A new skill set

Rather than relying solely on an uncertain future in résumé writing, Lambert has begun experimenting with a radically different path. This summer, he started what he calls an “unpaid internship” at a marina near his lake house, working about nine hours a week in the mechanic shop. He is learning to trailer boats and pull apart engines — a sharp contrast to his computer-bound profession. “It’s a skill set so different from being the Harvard-educated guy who sits behind a computer,” he said.


While AI’s rise has cut into his income, Lambert says it has also forced him into a healthier rhythm. Last year, he struggled with work-life balance. Today, with fewer projects, he spends more time exploring personal interests, helping strangers on Reddit with job applications, and getting his hands dirty at the marina.

A cautious outlook on the future

Despite the challenges, Lambert remains optimistic about the short term. He believes résumé writing will remain profitable for the next few years but admits that the long-term picture is unclear. “I have no idea what the world will look like in five years or how AI will change my work,” he reflected. For now, he is hedging his bets, blending his proven expertise in career consulting with the satisfaction of mechanical work that AI cannot replicate.
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