Indeed, when we truly think about it, MTPE and GenAI are just tools, and any professional in total control should have the choice to use them or not. Much like the prisoners in Plato's Allegory of the Cave, we're hypnotized by the shadows of AI, MTPE, and alarming headlines, while our true choices remain unseen, just behind us.

Let me explain. While the current narrative wants us to believe that AI has achieved such breakthroughs that it will soon replace us, we have to keep in mind that the people advancing those theories are neither linguists nor translators. For them, the ability to speak several languages is an exploit. So, there is no doubt that they would consider ChatGPT powerful and about to replace us. On one hand, we have allowed non-professionals to control the narrative.

On the other hand, we have those who are investing heavily in AI and wish to take advantage of this technology while simultaneously reducing our wages. We have enabled them to control almost everything: the process, the tools, and the rates we should be charging.

As I explain in further detail in my Manifesto, the current mid-size LSP business model is collapsing. And our role in society is collapsing with it, as they have taken control of our industry.

The remedy

So, our faulty diagnosis of the situation is leading us to the wrong remedies: lowering our rates, accepting MTPE, and waiting for large LSPs to find a solution when they are part of the problem. Some would argue: "If you have the solution, then why bother writing about it and developing a whole course? Why don't you just apply your strategy to your business and thrive while no one else is aware of the situation?"

Well, if you consider the huge forces we are facing, individually we are just powerless. Even with 17 years of experience and a serious portfolio of serious clients, my future remains uncertain without you. In reality, we need to combine our efforts to escape this depressing narrative and the toxic large LSP environment. And we have a year to do it – to rewrite the narrative and build a brand-new business model in which we no longer depend on predatory LSPs.

Lawyers and health professionals managed to do it because they are organized and have dedicated organizations defending their profession. We don't; we only have each other.

Our course of action

Our first step is to shift our mindset, from "I am a human tool they use to complement AI" to "I am the human on whom the whole industry relied." Many of you have already shifted from working with LSPs to direct clients. This was one of the smartest moves you have made — or one you can implement starting today if you have not done it yet. But this won't be enough, and this business model will last only until the end of 2026. You need to remodel your whole business plan, upgrade your service offerings, know how to approach your potential clients, and establish partnerships.

So, to answer our initial question — "Can Purist Translators survive the AI Era?" — I would say yes, but only if you start reconsidering your whole profession today.

My Final Word

When I started looking at the numbers and the state of our industry, honestly, creating a course didn't even cross my mind. But when I noticed that, with the challenges we are facing, our future depends on each other and that many people's livelihoods were at stake, I could not help but help others. So I decided to share my knowledge and discoveries with those who want to resist and be ready for the 2026 Economic Shockwaves.

Enrolling today will enable you to start implementing your 90-day business plan at the beginning of 2026 and have ample time to prepare yourself for the next turmoil and the coming collapse of LSPs.