This is “second mover advantage.” There are several dynamics that can make it better to wait and move later. Framed in terms of firms, moving late is advantaged when:

- the product category is long lived

- switching costs are low for buyers

- there are objective standards of quality

- product imitation costs are low

https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/the_second_...

Let’s consider those criteria for an individual competing in the labor market with AI. The category should be long lived, AI is here to stay. Switching costs (here, hiring/firing by employers/clients) are low. Objective quality standards fails; technical labor is notoriously difficult to quantify. Imitation costs (can you copy someone else’s good ideas) are moderate but decreasing. That’s where model and tooling improvement shows up.

Based on this analysis, I agree that late movers are well positioned IF the market leaders continue to improve models and tooling to integrate best practices that were previously individual skills.

Early movers should exploit the lack of objective standards. Use your experience with the first generation of tools as marketing to win and retain clients. Continue to invest in soft skills like communication.