Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat—It Built a Business Instead

“I’ve been replaced by AI and don’t know where I fit anymore.” 

Let’s be real: Gen X didn’t grow up with AI. We grew up with floppy disks, dial-up internet, and the thrill of recording mixtapes off the radio. Fast forward to today, and suddenly we’re being told that AI can do our jobs faster, cheaper, and with fewer coffee breaks. It’s enough to make anyone feel obsolete.

But here’s the thing, curiosity is our secret weapon. And it’s not just a TURN value; it’s a Gen X superpower.

We were the generation that asked, “What happens if I press this button?” and then pressed it anyway. We figured out how to program the VCR, how to fix our Walkman with a pencil, and how to survive without Google Maps. Curiosity got us through the chaos of the ’80s and ’90s, and it can get us through this too.

The AI Elephant in the Room

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, artificial intelligence. It’s everywhere. From resume screening to customer service bots, AI is reshaping the workforce. And for Gen Xers who’ve recently left corporate, whether by choice or by “restructuring” it can feel like the door to re-entry has been slammed shut.

But here’s the twist, AI isn’t the end. It’s the beginning. If you’re curious enough to explore what’s next, you’ll find opportunities that didn’t exist five years ago. Heck, they didn’t exist last year.

Curiosity as a Business Strategy

Starting a business isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions. What do people need right now? What’s missing in your industry? What’s something you know that others don’t?

Curiosity leads to innovation. It’s what drives entrepreneurs to create solutions, not just products. There’s room for your ideas, especially if they’re rooted in curiosity.

It’s Time to Get Real

Let’s squash this myth right now, you’re not too old to start something new. Gen X is in its prime. We’ve got experience, grit, and a healthy dose of skepticism. We don’t fall for shiny trends, we ask questions. We dig deeper. And that’s exactly what makes us great entrepreneurs.

Curiosity isn’t about being tech-savvy. It’s about being open. Open to learning, to pivoting, to trying something that might fail but could also fly.

You’ve got the experience. You’ve got the grit. Now get the tools, the support, and the community to make it happen. 

TURN’s Top Dead Centre (TDC) Framework to the Rescue

TURN’s 30-Day TDC Bootcamp is built for Gen Xers who feel left behind by AI and corporate shifts. It doesn’t just teach business; it rewires your mindset. 

  • You’ll kick off with a mindset reset: Tackling a personality assessment to unlock resilience and discover your unique strengths. 
  • You’ll adopt AI as your creative partner: Using tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot to generate business ideas, draft mission statements, and write marketing copy, making technology a collaborator. 
  • You’ll build a business from scratch: From ideation to legal setup, branding, and customer acquisition, TURN walks you through every step. You’ll leave with a registered business, a digital presence, and a plan to get customers. 
  • You’ll be part of a Gen X–friendly community: No hustle culture. No jargon. Just real people, real support, and real outcomes. TURN’s cohorts are designed for mid-career professionals, with pacing and content that respect your experience and time. 
  • You’ll rediscover your value: Through introspection, coaching, and peer feedback, you’ll see how your lived experience is an asset, not a liability. You’ll learn to pitch your business, manage finances, and build customer relationships with confidence. 

TURN doesn’t just help you start a business; it helps you start believing in yourself again. 

Final Thought

If you’re feeling stuck, start with a question. What if I TURNed my corporate experience into a consulting gig? What if I launched that side hustle I’ve been dreaming about since 2003? What if I partnered with someone who’s got the ops, the tech, and the financial chops, while I bring the curiosity and the get-it-done energy?

Curiosity opens doors. It doesn’t matter if AI closed one, there are others waiting to be discovered. And you, Gen X, are just the person to find them.

Join a TURN Bootcamp and TURN your curiosity into a business that fits you

Your Move

Ready to stop wondering and start building? 

👉 [Apply now] and let’s build something that AI can’t replace…you!

AI Works Here

TURN is an AI-first Frontier Firm and AI was used in the creation of this content…And don’t worry, it didn’t try to steal your mixtape or your Blockbuster card, which is curious…