In February 2020, many overlooked early warnings about a virus that changed life drastically, and the author suggests we might be in a similar phase regarding AI. After six years in the AI industry, they feel the urgency to communicate the rapid advancements in AI technology to those less familiar with it. Unlike before, where AI improvements were gradual, a significant leap occurred in 2025 with new techniques that accelerated development. The release of models like GPT-5.3 Codex and Opus 4.6 marked a turning point, enabling AI to perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention. The author shares their firsthand experience with these new models, highlighting a dramatic shift in their work. Tasks that once required their expertise are now completed autonomously by AI. For example, the AI can create an entire app, test it, and refine it without needing further input. This capability goes beyond simple task execution; the latest models exhibit a form of judgment and decision-making once thought impossible for machines. The implications for various sectors—law, finance, medicine, and more—are profound. The author warns that the rapid evolution of AI means that many professions could face disruption within one to five years, not a decade. Skeptics who tried earlier versions of AI and found them lacking may not realize how much has changed. The current models are vastly improved compared to those available just six months ago. The gap between public perception and reality is widening, with many still using outdated, free versions of AI tools. This disconnect poses a risk, as it prevents individuals from preparing for the significant changes on the horizon in their workplaces and industries.